Creativity bringing people together through We Are Nature

Sometimes the greatest impact of a project isn't what's created, it's the people it brings together.

The Clan Trust was proud to support We Are Nature, a year-long community art project led by Share Your Story Through Art (SYSTA), which used creativity to connect people, encourage conversation and celebrate the natural world.

Over the course of a year, older people, teenage refugees and their families, asylum seekers, and young people from the Ukrainian community came together at regular workshops across Norfolk. Through painting, collage, textiles and other creative activities, participants explored nature while sharing experiences, learning new skills and building connections with one another.

For many, the project became much more than a series of workshops.

"This experience has made a real difference to my life. I've become excited about art and started painting at home and visiting galleries, which makes me feel more alive!"

Participants also spoke about making new friendships, growing in confidence and having something to look forward to every fortnight.

The project culminated in a public exhibition, welcoming around 200 visitors over three days. Emma Skeet, who leads SYSTA, said visitors were inspired by the work on display, with some even moved to tears.

At The Clan Trust, we believe that supporting communities is about creating opportunities for people to come together, discover new confidence and feel connected. We Are Nature is a wonderful example of how creativity can do exactly that.

Following the success of the project, SYSTA now runs We Are Nature – Growing Together, a weekly community group where participants continue to create art inspired by nature while growing organic food on a small allotment in Norwich. Some members from the original project still attend, and new members are always welcome.

If you'd like to find out more about We Are Nature – Growing Together, or get involved, please contact Emma at systaworkshops@gmail.com.

We are delighted to have supported this inspiring project and would like to thank Emma, the volunteers and every participant who helped make it such a success.