Case Studies
Welcome to our Case Studies section, where we showcase the impact and creativity behind our workshop designs. Here, you will find compelling examples of how our tailored workshops have transformed the experiences of participants across various settings. Each case study highlights our commitment to fostering engagement, deepening understanding, and igniting creativity through thoughtfully crafted activities. Explore how our unique approach to workshop design has empowered individuals and groups to achieve their goals and uncover new possibilities.
The following are just a few of the many workshops that we’ve design across a
variety of sectors:
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Case Study: Interactive Workshop at Brentford School for Girls
In preparation for the new term following a long summer break, Brentford School for Girls sought an inspiring workshop for their teaching staff. With a diverse group of 100 educators, Poetry Prescribed was engaged to design an interactive experience aimed at reconnecting staff with the school's vision and values while rejuvenating their spirits for the upcoming academic year.
Objectives:
- Reinvigorate Educators: To refresh and energise teaching staff after the summer break.
- Align with School Mission: To inspire participants to realign with the core values and mission of the school.
- Promote Personal Reflection: To encourage educators to reflect on their commitments to teaching and student development.
- Enhance Mental Well-Being: To facilitate discussions surrounding mental health and personal wellness in the teaching profession.
- Foster Collaboration: To promote meaningful connections among staff members through shared experiences and reflections.
Overview:
Titled "Reboot & Recharge: Igniting Passion and Purpose," the workshop began with a captivating poetry performance that set an inspiring tone. Participants engaged in discussions about the significance of vision in education and took part in a guided visualisation to nurture calm and focus.
Curated discussions emphasised mental health and personal well-being, complemented by collaborative exercises that encouraged educators to articulate their teaching visions. Throughout the session, reflections were enriched by poetry and anecdotes, allowing educators to explore the profound impact they have on their students' lives.
Key components of the workshop included:
- Interactive discussions
- Guided reflections on personal teaching values
- Collaborative exercises to define and share teaching visions
- Practical strategies for building meaningful relationships within the classroom
Outcomes:
- Renewed Sense of Purpose: Staff members left the workshop feeling reinvigorated and aligned with their teaching mission.
- Practical Self-Care Strategies: Educators gained valuable tools and techniques for managing challenges and prioritising well-being.
- Stronger Community Bonds: The session fostered connections among staff, enhancing camaraderie and collaboration within the school.
- Integration of Values: Participants developed a deeper understanding of how to incorporate the school’s values into their daily teaching practices.
- Ongoing Reflection Support: Attendees received self-care handouts, guided writing reflection worksheets, and feedback forms to facilitate continued reflection beyond the workshop.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and the enthusiastic response from Brentford School for Girls underscored the workshop's success. By inspiring and motivating the teaching staff, Poetry Prescribed contributed to setting a positive tone for the term ahead, helping educators feel more connected to their purpose and the school’s vision.
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Case Study: Slam Poetry Workshops at City of Westminster College in Partnership with Rise Collective
As part of the Acknowledge Programme, City of Westminster College collaborated with youth charity Rise Collective to deliver an engaging course of workshops focused on Slam Poetry for students in Performing Arts. Poetry Prescribed was hired to design the workshops. The initiative aimed to inspire students to explore creative writing and performance while connecting with social issues that resonated with them.
Objectives:
1. Foster Creative Expression: Encourage students to express their thoughts and feelings about relevant social topics through the medium of Slam Poetry.
2. Enhance Writing Skills: Guide participants in developing creative writing skills and constructing compelling slam poems.
3. Performing Techniques: Equip students with performance skills that amplify their delivery and stage presence.
4. Engagement with Social Issues: Help students identify and investigate social issues that matter to them, promoting awareness and discussion.
5. Build Confidence: Cultivate confidence in both writing and performance through peer feedback and public speaking.
Overview:
The Slam Poetry workshops consisted of a series of interactive sessions where students explored various aspects of crafting and performing slam poetry. Participants engaged in selecting relevant social issues, developing their poems through collaborative discussion and feedback, experimenting with poetic devices, and honing their performance skills. The course culminated in a live slam event, allowing students to showcase their work to an audience and panel of judges.
Outcomes:
- Creative Development: Students developed original slam poems that addressed issues they were passionate about, showcasing their creative abilities.
- Improved Writing Skills: Participants gained valuable writing expertise, resulting in well-structured and impactful poems.
- Confident Performers: The workshops enhanced students’ confidence in public speaking, demonstrated during their performances in the final slam event.
- Awareness of Social Issues: Participants engaged deeply with social topics, fostering discussions that extended beyond the classroom.
- Community and Collaboration: The workshop environment nurtured a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and peer support.
The project proved to be a resounding success, with students leaving empowered and equipped to use their voices creatively on important social issues. The positive feedback from participants and the rich experiences shared during the workshops highlighted the importance of artistic expression in connecting youth with the world around them.
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Case Study: Poetry Prescribed's Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Project with Southwark Council
In collaboration with Southwark Council, Poetry Prescribed designed and delivered an impactful project aimed at raising awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) among young people through creative expression. The initiative focused on youth engagement at Bede House, a youth centre in Southwark, highlighting the importance of empowering older teens to communicate anti-exploitation messages to younger peers.
Objectives:
1. Empower Young Voices: Enable older teenagers to effectively communicate anti-CSE messages in a relatable manner that resonates with younger audiences (ages 13-15).
2. Creative Expression: Utilise spoken word poetry as a medium for participants to express their thoughts and feelings on child sexual exploitation.
3. Build Trust and Relatability: Foster a trusting environment where young people feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics and sharing their experiences.
4. Develop Communication Skills: Equip participants with essential skills in public speaking and creative writing to articulate their messages clearly and powerfully.
5. Raise Community Awareness: Broaden the community’s understanding of the risks of CSE and promote a culture of vigilance and support for affected young people.
Overview:
The project commenced with workshops that provided participants with a supportive space to explore their emotions and experiences related to child sexual exploitation. Under the guidance of spoken word curators, young people engaged in a series of writing exercises and discussions that encouraged personal storytelling and the development of anti-CSE messages. Participants learned techniques in spoken word performance, enabling them to transform their written pieces into impactful presentations. The culmination of the project involved sharing their works at a community event aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue on child sexual exploitation.
Outcomes:
- Enhanced Awareness: Participants successfully increased awareness among their peers about the dangers of child sexual exploitation, utilising their own voices and lived experiences.
- Creative Empowerment: Young people honed their creative writing and performance skills, gaining confidence in their ability to express difficult subjects through art.
- Trust and Engagement: The project fostered a trusting relationship between older and younger teens, creating a supportive atmosphere for vulnerable youth to discuss sensitive issues.
- Community Impact: The community event attracted a diverse audience, reinforcing collective accountability regarding the safety of young people and promoting discussions on protective measures against CSE.
- Personal Development: Participants reported personal growth in their communication skills, self-confidence, and understanding of complex social issues, preparing them for future advocacy roles.
The collaboration between Poetry Prescribed and Southwark Council proved instrumental in empowering young people to speak about critical issues in their communities. The project underscored the effectiveness of creative expression in education and awareness, showcasing the potential for art to bridge gaps in understanding and foster open discussions about child sexual exploitation. With positive feedback from participants and community members alike, this initiative highlighted the important role of youth voices in safeguarding and raising awareness within their communities.
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Case Study: Exploring Art and Activism through Spoken Word Poetry at Every Future Foundation
Overview:
Poetry Prescribed designed a workshop for Every Future Foundation as part of their Activism Academy, entitled "Art as Activism: The Power of Spoken Word Poetry." The workshop aimed to engage participants in understanding the intersections of art, activism, and personal expression through spoken word poetry.
Objectives:
The workshop was designed with the following key objectives:
1. Understanding the Role of Art in Activism: Participants would explore how spoken word poetry serves as a medium for addressing social and political issues.
2. Engagement with Authentic Expression: Encourage attendees to connect personal experiences with broader societal themes of injustice and resilience.
3. Development of Creative Skills: Provide a safe space for participants to express themselves and craft their own spoken word pieces.
4. Facilitate Discussion and Reflection: Encourage critical thinking about the impact of artistic expressions on social change.
Workshop Activities Overview:
The workshop began with participants watching and discussing impactful spoken word performances that highlighted various social and political issues, fostering an appreciation for art as a tool for activism. This was followed by an engaging freewriting session in which attendees crafted their own spoken word pieces, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and collective narratives of hope and resilience. Throughout the workshop, participants were encouraged to share their creative works and reflections, creating a supportive environment for dialogue and community building.
Outcomes:
The workshop yielded several significant outcomes:
1. Increased Awareness: Participants reported a deeper understanding of how art, particularly spoken word poetry, can serve as a powerful advocacy tool for social issues.
2. Enhanced Expression and Confidence: Attendees expressed feeling empowered by the opportunity to share personal narratives through poetry, leading to increased self-confidence in their creative abilities.
3. Community Building: By sharing their work, participants crafted a sense of community and solidarity, connecting through shared experiences and collective aspirations for change.
4. Reflective Learning: The discussion component promoted critical thinking about the implications of poetry in activism, demonstrating the potential for artistic expressions to spark dialogue and inspire action.
5. Creative Works: Participants left the workshop with their own spoken word poems, showcasing unique perspectives and experiences related to themes of racism, injustice, healing, and resilience.
6. Feedback and Evaluation: Post-workshop surveys indicated high levels of satisfaction, with participants noting the relevance and impact of the content and the effectiveness of Miss Yankey as a facilitator.
The "Art as Activism: The Power of Spoken Word Poetry" workshop successfully met its objectives, providing participants with tools for creative expression while simultaneously raising awareness of how art can facilitate social change. With the continued support of Every Future Foundation, such workshops will empower aspiring activists to harness their creativity in the pursuit of justice and equality.
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Case Study: Creativity and Wellness Workshop for The Advocacy Project
In collaboration with The Advocacy Project, Poetry Prescribed designed and delivered a Creativity and Wellness workshop as part of the Healing Words poetry competition. This annual event celebrates the power of creative expression in improving mental well-being while raising vital awareness about mental health issues. The workshop was held during a two-day exhibition at Paternoster Square, where participants had the unique opportunity to explore their creativity in a supportive environment aligned with the National Poetry Day theme of "Truth."
Objectives:
1. Promote Mental Well-Being: Provide participants with a creative outlet to express their thoughts and experiences related to mental health, thereby enhancing emotional well-being.
2. Introduce Creative Writing Techniques: Equip attendees with a starter toolkit of writing exercises that can help unlock creativity and inspire future writing endeavors.
3. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a safe and welcoming space for participants to share their stories and engage in creative exploration without judgment.
4. Encourage Self-Expression: Inspire participants to articulate their emotions and experiences through poetic forms, contributing to the overall theme of truth.
5. Increase Awareness of Mental Health: Demonstrate the intersection between creativity and mental wellness, emphasising the importance of dialogue around mental health problems.
Overview:
The Creativity and Wellness workshop featured a series of engaging writing exercises designed to relax participants and ignite their creativity. Guided by an experienced facilitator from Poetry Prescribed, attendees navigated various writing approaches, including free writing, prompt-based exercises, and collaborative poem crafting. Each session aimed to illustrate diverse paths to self-expression while allowing participants to explore their personal narratives. The supportive atmosphere encouraged attendees to share their work, fostering a sense of community and connection among individuals with shared experiences.
Outcomes:
- Creative Output: Participants produced a range of poetic works, many expressing profound reflections on their mental health journeys and the theme of truth.
- Skill Development: Attendees left with practical writing techniques and exercises that they can use independently to enhance their creative practice.
- Enhanced Well-Being: Feedback indicated that participants felt more relaxed and inspired after the workshop, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
- Community Building: The workshop fostered camaraderie and support among participants, leading to meaningful discussions about mental health within the group.
- Increased Engagement with Mental Health: By bridging creativity and mental health discourse, participants gained a greater understanding of how poetry can serve as both a personal and communal tool for healing.
The collaboration between Poetry Prescribed and The Advocacy Project highlighted the significant role of creativity in promoting mental resilience and understanding. By empowering participants with tools to craft their narratives, the workshop underscored the importance of artistic expression in the healing process. The positive responses from attendees showcased the impactful nature of such initiatives, affirming poetry's ability to foster dialogue and promote well-being in both personal and community contexts.
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Case Study: Poetry Workshop at Bethlem Museum of the Mind
In partnership with Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Poetry Prescribed designed and delivered an engaging workshop focused on the theme of jealousy, inspired by the exhibition "The Anatomy of Melancholy." This one-hour session was held post-Valentine's Day, inviting participants to reflect on complex emotions through poetry. The workshop aimed to foster creativity and promote discussion around feelings of jealousy, utilising historical and contemporary poetic works as catalysts for personal expression.
Objectives:
1. Explore Complex Emotions: Provide participants with a safe space to engage with the intricate feelings associated with jealousy, facilitating discussion and reflection.
2. Analyse Poetry: Introduce participants to selected poems related to jealousy, examining their themes and emotional impact through guided reading and performance.
3. Encourage Creative Expression: Empower attendees to craft their own poems using structured templates, ensuring accessibility for individuals of varying skill levels.
4. Foster Community Discussion: Encourage an open dialogue about emotions and personal experiences linked to jealousy, promoting a sense of shared understanding and support.
5. Enhance Appreciation for Poetry: Highlight the role of poetry as a medium for exploring and articulating complex emotional landscapes.
Overview:
The workshop began with an introduction to selected poems that delve into the theme of jealousy, accompanied by video performances to enrich the participants' understanding. Following the readings, the facilitator led an in-depth discussion on the poems' messages, encouraging participants to share their feelings and relate the content to their personal experiences.
Participants were then guided through the creation of their own poetry using four distinct templates designed to cater to all levels of experience—from beginners to seasoned poets. These templates provided structure while allowing the freedom to explore their thoughts creatively. The workshop culminated in a sharing session, where attendees had the opportunity to present their poetic creations in a supportive environment.
Outcomes:
- Creative Output: Participants successfully composed a variety of poems reflecting their individual interpretations of jealousy, demonstrating a rich spectrum of creativity and insight.
- Enhanced Discussion Skills: The workshop fostered meaningful conversations about emotions, helping participants articulate their experiences and listen to diverse perspectives.
- Increased Confidence: Attendees reported a boost in confidence regarding their writing abilities, feeling encouraged to express their emotions through poetry.
- Collaborative Environment: The workshop cultivated a sense of community among participants, allowing them to connect with others who share similar emotional experiences.
- Greater Appreciation for Poetry: Participants left with a deeper understanding of how poetry can serve as a powerful tool for exploration and expression of complex feelings, further motivating them to engage with poetry in the future.
The collaboration between Poetry Prescribed and Bethlem Museum of the Mind successfully illustrated the therapeutic potential of poetry in exploring nuanced emotions like jealousy. Through guided discussions and creative exercises, participants were empowered to navigate their feelings and express themselves artistically. The positive feedback from attendees affirmed the impact of the workshop, showcasing poetry's unique power to foster connection, reflection, and insight within the context of mental health and emotional well-being.
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Case Study: Poetry Prescribed Workshop for Women and Girls Network
Workshop Overview
Poetry Prescribed designed and facilitated a transformative workshop for 60 staff members of the Women and Girls Network (WGN) aimed at promoting a sense of togetherness and fostering personal growth. The session created an inviting and beautifully crafted space where participants could explore themes of personal growth, finding peace, and joy through engaging discussions and a series of reflective writing exercises.
Objectives:
The primary objectives of the workshop were:
1. Fostering Personal Growth: Encourage participants to reflect on their individual journeys and the concept of personal growth in their lives.
2. Promoting Peace: Facilitate discussions on how to cultivate a sense of peace both personally and collectively within the WGN community.
3. Celebrating Joy: Enable attendees to recognise and share the sources of joy in their lives, thereby enhancing team bonds and morale.
4. Building Connection: Create an environment that encourages staff to connect with one another, learn about their colleagues, and express personal thoughts and feelings.
Workshop Activities Overview:
The workshop commenced with a warm welcome and an introduction to the session’s themes and objectives, framed by established ground rules to ensure a respectful and supportive environment. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions related to personal growth, exploring questions such as, "What does personal growth look like for you right now?" and "If you achieved all of your current life goals today, what would tomorrow look like?" This reflection led into the first free writing exercise, "The Garden of My Spirit," prompting attendees to express their current state of being and the potential for growth in a creative format.
The session then transitioned to discussions around finding peace, where participants shared personal strategies for cultivating tranquility in their lives. The corresponding free write, "Instructions for Peace," allowed individuals to articulate actionable steps for promoting peace, using a curated word bank to inspire their writing.
Lastly, participants explored the theme of joy through collaborative discussions about what makes each person unique and special. The concluding writing activity, "Sensing Joy," invited attendees to vividly describe their experiences of joy through sensory details, fostering introspection and celebration of personal happiness.
Outcomes:
The workshop yielded several meaningful outcomes:
1. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Participants gained deeper insights into their personal growth journeys, discovering new perspectives on their challenges and aspirations.
2. Strengthened Relationships: The collaborative atmosphere fostered stronger connections among colleagues, allowing staff to learn more about one another and build supportive relationships.
3. Creative Expression: Attendees expressed their thoughts and feelings more freely, resulting in a collection of heartfelt poetry that celebrated personal growth, peace, and joy.
4. Restorative Experience: Many participants reported feeling rejuvenated and more connected to the mission of WGN, reinforcing their commitment to the organisation and its values.
5. Positive Feedback: Post-workshop evaluations indicated high levels of satisfaction, highlighting the effectiveness of the workshop format and the thoughtful facilitation by Poetry Prescribed in creating a supporive and inclusive space.
6. Inspiration for Future Initiatives: The success of the workshop has inspired the Women and Girls Network to consider regular poetic and reflective sessions as part of their staff development programs.
The "Poetry Prescribed" workshop for the Women and Girls Network successfully achieved its objectives, fostering a nurturing environment for personal reflection and connection. By empowering participants to share their stories and collectively explore themes of growth, peace, and joy, the workshop not only strengthened individual bonds but also contributed to a more cohesive and supportive organisational culture. Moving forward, Poetry Prescribed looks to build on this success and continue cultivating spaces that inspire authentic expression and connection within the WGN community.
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Case Study: Poetry Prescribed Workshops for Southall Black Sisters Survivors Group
Overview:
Poetry Prescribed facilitated a two-part workshop for the Southall Black Sisters (SBS) Survivors Group, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced various forms of gender-based violence. Despite the participants primarily speaking English as a second language, the workshop successfully utilised poetry as a universal medium of expression, forging connections and offering a space for healing and reflection.
Objectives:
1. Empower Self-Expression: Introduce participants to spoken word poetry as a means to articulate feelings and experiences, thereby empowering them in their healing journeys.
2. Explore Themes of Loss and Grief: Facilitate discussions around various forms of loss and grief, encouraging participants to reflect on their personal experiences and recognize commonalities with others.
3. Promote Healing through Reflection: Provide a safe environment for participants to reflect on their past and set intentions for their futures, focusing on gratitude and personal growth.
4. Foster Community and Connection: Create opportunities for bonding and support among participants through shared narratives and collective experiences.
Workshop Sessions Overview:
Session 1: Express Yourself! An Introduction to Spoken Word Poetry as a Tool for Self-Expression
This session focused on warming up participants' creativity through guided freewriting exercises. Initially, participants completed sentences designed to spark reflection on their identities and internal struggles. Following this, the group engaged in discussions to deepen their understanding of loss, including various life experiences beyond the immediate context of gender-based violence.
Participants then moved into further guided freewriting, reflecting on their experiences surrounding loss and how those experiences contributed to their identities. To culminate the session, a final exercise allowed participants to compose pieces on overcoming loss, creatively weaving their reflections into a poetic format.
Session 2: Reflections & Intentions
The second session began with participants reintroducing themselves and sharing individual experiences of growth facilitated by their engagement with SBS. Attendees participated in discussions around breaking free from trauma and the role of gratitude in finding peace.
The group listened to “Oh, To Be Grateful” by Natalie Patterson, prompting reflections on personal blessings. Participants engaged in another writing exercise focusing on gratitude, followed by a setting intentions activity inspired by Deepak Chopra, where they articulated specific desires for their futures in a positive, heart-centered manner.
Outcomes:
The workshops yielded several significant outcomes:
1. Increased Confidence in Self-Expression: Participants reported feeling more empowered to express their thoughts and emotions through poetry, recognizing it as a valuable tool for self-exploration.
2. Recognition of Shared Experiences: By discussing themes of loss and trauma, participants were able to relate to one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding within the group.
3. Facilitation of Healing: Engaging in reflective writing helped participants process their past experiences and emotions, contributing to collective healing.
4. Strengthened Sense of Gratitude: Participants discovered the significance of gratitude in their lives, enhancing their outlook on personal challenges and future aspirations.
5. Clarity of Intentions: The intention-setting exercises allowed participants to articulate their hopes and desires with clarity, reinforcing their commitment to personal growth and healing.
6. Positive Reception: Feedback from participants indicated a strong appreciation for the workshop structure and facilitation, highlighting the supportive atmosphere that Poetry Prescribed created.
7. Ongoing Engagement: Many participants expressed a desire for future poetry workshops, indicating a commitment to ongoing exploration and healing through creative expression.
The Poetry Prescribed workshops for the Southall Black Sisters Survivors Group effectively met their objectives by creating a welcoming space for self-expression and healing. By leveraging the power of poetry, participants were able to connect with one another, explore their experiences, and cultivate intentions for a more empowered future. The success of these workshops emphasises the importance of creative expression as a mechanism for support and healing, suggesting potential for further development within the SBS community.
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Case Study: Poetry Prescribed - Ink & Innovation Workshop at TBD Conference
Overview:
Poetry Prescribed facilitated an interactive mini-writing workshop titled "Ink & Innovation" at the TBD Conference, which explored the theme of 'Fascia'—focusing on connection, disconnection, and the power of collective efforts. Designed to enhance creativity and self-expression, the workshop encouraged participants to reflect on their personal experiences and share insights through guided poetry prompts.
Objectives:
1. Encourage Self-Expression: Provide an opportunity for participants to articulate their experiences regarding connection and disconnection.
2. Promote Creative Thinking: Utilise poetry as a means to stimulate innovative ideas aligned with the conference’s theme.
3. Foster Community and Connection: Strengthen bonds among participants through the sharing of personal reflections.
4. Create a Supportive Space: Ensure an inclusive environment where all participants felt comfortable expressing themselves, regardless of their writing experience.
Outcomes:
The workshop successfully achieved its objectives, resulting in:
1. Enhanced Self-Expression: Participants felt empowered to share their thoughts and experiences.
2. Creative Engagement: The writing prompts inspired innovative thinking and engagement with the conference themes.
3. Strengthened Connections: Attendees formed deeper interpersonal bonds, fostering a sense of community.
4. Increased Awareness of Collective Power: Participants recognised the potential of collaboration and creativity in addressing challenges.
5. Positive Feedback: High satisfaction levels and interest in future workshops focused on creative writing were noted, emphasising the impact of the session.
The "Ink & Innovation" workshop effectively leveraged poetry to facilitate self-expression and connectivity among participants, contributing positively to the overall conference experience. This successful integration of creativity in professional settings promotes further exploration of collaborative and expressive initiatives.
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Case Study: Poetry Prescribed Workshops for The Tower of London
Overview:
In collaboration with Industry In The Streets (IITS), Poetry Prescribed designed and delivered a series of workshops aimed at emerging spoken word artists aged 11-25 as part of the Mark Makers project. The workshops focused on re-telling British history through the lens of the prisoners who left their marks on the walls of the Tower of London. Participants explored themes such as freedom, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling through poetry.
Objectives:
1. Engagement of Young People: Engage at least 40 young people in the creation of original poems and affirmations inspired by the historical narratives of prisoners at the Tower of London.
2. Creative Output: Facilitate the production of a minimum of 20 written poems and 20 affirmations, with an emphasis on personal interpretation and connection to the historical context.
3. Spoken Word Development: Support participants in creating 2 quality spoken word pieces to be recorded for the Tower of London's audio guide and potentially performed at a live event.
4. Interactive Sharing Experience: Encourage all participants to attend a sharing event at the Tower of London, allowing them to present their work to the public and further deepen their connection to the historic site.
Workshop Structure:
The workshops were conducted in a two-part format:
1. Theme Exploration: Participants explored historical themes related to the Tower of London and engaged in creative writing exercises.
2. Performance Techniques: The second workshop focused on developing their written pieces, sharing their work, and learning performance techniques.
An additional session was hosted to reach a broader audience of young people, further reinforcing the project's inclusivity.
Outcomes:
The series of workshops successfully met and exceeded its objectives:
1. Creative Production: Participants produced more than 25 poems and affirmations, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives related to the prisoner theme.
3. Recorded Spoken Word Pieces: Several high-quality spoken word pieces were crafted and recorded for the Tower of London audio guide, enhancing the interpretive experience of the site for future visitors.
4. Successful Sharing Event: All participants received invitations to the "Live at The Tower" event, where they had the opportunity to perform their work, receive feedback, and connect with a larger audience, solidifying their confidence as emerging artists.
5. Artists Collaboration: Collaboratively engaged resident poets supplemented the workshops with their expertise, nurturing a supportive environment for skill development.
The Poetry Prescribed workshops at The Tower of London successfully harnessed the power of spoken word to illuminate hidden narratives of history while empowering young artists. By drawing from the experiences of historical prisoners, participants developed their creative voices and contributed to a meaningful dialogue around freedom and expression. The collaboration with IITS fostered a supportive atmosphere for young creatives to flourish, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and the cultural heritage of the site. Future initiatives will aim to continue this valuable work, further bridging the gap between history and contemporary artistic expression.