‘Belonging’ – what helps us feel at home, connected and part of something bigger?

‘Belonging’ is the theme of a new session of Creative Mix, a project which is now in its second year. Led by poet Arji Manuelpillai and printmaker Ruan Murphy, groups meet monthly to create and discuss. Participants are sixth form students studying Health and Social Care at Mulberry UTC and older adults in Tower Hamlets who come to us through connecting with other local groups and organisations.

Between November 2024 – April 2025 the group met once a month to work on building connections, getting creative with words, trialling different printing techniques and exploring ‘belonging’ through movement when guest artist Charlene Low co-led two sessions with the group. At sessions, participants have written poems about personal figures who have impacted them over time, drawn portraits with sticks and created their own islands. Food has been a reoccurring shared area of interest for the group and we are looking forward to exploring this further in coming sessions.

For the next few months, the group will meet fortnightly as participants work towards a summer exhibition at the end of June at St Margaret’s House to celebrate the work they have been creating over the year. Exhibition dates are 26-28 June and we will be sure to keep you updated on our social media, newsletters and web pages as plans come together.