PROJECT AIMS
 

A key aim of the project is the input from residents and participants. These inputs will not only be artistic but conversational – by building on workshop discussions around how to talk to reinds and family about dying.  Participants will ultimately help curate and help artists involved create the final structure and outcome of artworks that take the form of photographic and poetic co-creation workshops that ultimately create emotional and shared communities experience of dying – ultimately  breaking down traditional taboos and myths about dying and champion the emotional and cultural traditions of East Birminghams diverse community which include the south Asian, Arabic, Caribbean and Polish community to name but a few tackle barriers that make death difficult to discuss. Each of the planned workshop will tackle one or more the above topics areas.

 

This project is aimed at younger participant but this does not mean death affects solely the elderly. We want those involve to truly think about what should an individual speak to their doctor about at older age? In contrast we also want participants think a younger person approach speak to a doctor about – particular one facing death.  

 

As mentioned, workshops and activities will explore themes of cultural heritage of the neighbourhood and tackle issues of social isolation and wellbeing by connecting with other participants in the area through the creation of the arts exhibits made up of photographic exhibits from participants and poetry expressing key aims of heritage and taboos surrounding death through art expression. Themes will be explored by asking financial and practical considerations that should be taken into account at older age. What would that look like. How can that be interpreted. What steps can an individual take to make sure that my funeral is suited towards what I would like. Do people think of what funerals should be. Ultimately aiming to get how to get friends and family support at older age and what that might look. Many of our participants will be younger so who they expect to see around during their last days and what aspirations and expectations they have will be discussed, interpreted and featured in the art work.  

 

 

Participants will engage as part of a journey of 10 session (either 5 workshops in photography or 5 in expressive language activities) that will involve the co-creation of personal works by participants expressing their experiences through these creative mediums. Due to the very nature of the subject we expect each work to be personal, unique and different.