December 2024. Lifelong learning in creative arts - my thoughts and personal experiences so far.

I have a very full life that frequently veers into the chaotic. As I approach the home straight of my studies at the University of Derby, juggling academia with practical placement, and my own creative projects, my mind frequently turns to the possible paths ahead and how I will navigate the ever-shifting landscape of arts for health. As the recognition of and need for creative approaches to wellbeing jostles with practical issues of funding challenges and increasing scarcity of community venues, what steps can new practitioners take to prepare for applying their skills in the 'real world'?

The arts thrive on innovation and flexibility, particularly at the junction of health and wellness. Just as research informs policies and practices from the top down, so must creative practitioners take a proactive approach to their personal and professional development and commit to life-long learning to stay relevant, dynamic and engaged with the big picture. This is where the importance of personal and professional reflection to map out your strengths and challenges really comes to the fore!

At the end of the last academic year, I produced an assignment that outlined four different aspirations for my final year and post graduation. Has the process of goal setting and my approach to actioning tasks informed my approach to Continuing Professional and Personal Development? Let's hold myself publicly accountable and have a look!

My aspirations at the end of my second year of studies

​* Community facilitation: Gaining skill and confidence in this area was top of my list. I sought out and attended events where local community artists and organisations would be, for example International Women's Day, Derby Feste, Artcore open studios. I contacted social acquaintances who worked or who had contacts relevant to arts and health.

I made it my mission to network in a professional, but fun and lighthearted way. Although the creative activity itself is important, I needed overcome my self-limiting beliefs - to feel the fear and do it anyway is, in my experience, a sure-fire way to build confidence. I played to my strengths of enthusiasm and humour when speaking with other professionals, and was honest and clear about what I was seeking to ensure a good fit and not waste anyone's time. I made a solid connection with Spiral Arts, a long standing local community arts organisation and took every opportunity to work voluntarily with organisers and artists. I trod clay for well dressings, set up and prepped activities with other artists, and participated in community events (see photograph section). I utilised curiosity to lever myself out of my comfort zone, which enabled me to see in practice what I needed to work on and where my facilitator strengths lie. In exchange for my willingness and time, I received invaluable mentorship, experience with a variety of service users, and joined a network of talented and resourceful artists.

* Demographic: During my volunteering work and placement I have sought out opportunities to work with individuals on the neurodiversity spectrum and those with long term mental health challenges - the overlap is considerable. I have gained first hand insight into their experiences and thoughts around creativity as a tool for wellbeing, shared stories and informed my knowledge and need for development. My dissertation subject is concerned with late diagnosed Autistic women and the use of creativity to support adjustment and positively impact mental health, and I plan to complete an officially accredited CPD course in Autism and Neurodiversity when my workload permits.

​* Sustainable materials: During my simulated and real life workshop facilitation, I have sourced recycled materials from my personal hoard, freecycle, the skips and 'free to take' cupboards off the university, friends, family and the Play and Recycling Centre. I am a self confessed Womble who has a lifelong mission to make arts sustainable and accessible to all.

* Heritage Crafts: I attended the Heritage Crafts career evening at the Derby Museum of Making in November and tried my hand at willow weaving, cly carving and jewellery making. A long term ambition is to expand upon my rudimentary stained glass skills and learn about leading. I have an interest in puppetry for emotional exploration and as marionette making is an endangered craft, I have enrolled on a short, starter course that I hope to be able to share in future facilitation.

Thoughts on my ongoing personal and professional development

I am blessed with a curious mindset and an abundance of enthusiasm for life in general. The practice of reflection has enabled me to recognise that these admirable tendencies need to be structured with time management and planning skills in order to be an effective and productive creative practitioner. I feel that my ongoing and future plans for personal, academic and skill development are a good balance that I will continue to maintain and build upon. ​

Documenting workshops has been key in providing insight that have become the foundations of my personal and professional growth plan. For example, I have acknowledged and connected with the feelings of anxiety prior to facilitation, so I plan in 10 minutes for some stretching, breathing exercises and positive self talk. This ritual allows me to connect with the space, focus on the task at hand and show up as the best version of myself. By checking in with my personal responses, I can explore this vulnerability without trepidation and take a proactive approach, practicing the mindfulness that I intend to share, noting my strengths and areas for development. This is how we grow, strengthen and empower others. 

.