Reflection, Connection, and The Future: Our Sharing Session at Articulate
Having opportunities to work alongside other creatives, bounce ideas off of each other, share progress and problem solve together is such a vital part of working in community arts, especially in third sector organisations that span across the whole country. Recently, our group of young artists and practitioners had the joy of sharing our journey's so far with our Made With Care projects at the Articulate studio in Glasgow. As this year's cohort starts to wrap up, the day was spent reflecting on all we have achieved and our hopes for the future including creative careers, further education and business progression. We presented some of the work we have created, reflecting on the workshops we have attended, and celebrating the professional and personal connections made throughout our projects. Most importantly, it was a space to explore how grant funding and dedicated support have directly impacted our creative paths and personal lives.
Equity, Accessibility, and Impact
The session held many emotional and honest moments as we reflected on the importance of programs that support young creatives. Having equal opportunities to follow your passions - especially within the arts, where barriers can often feel impossible to overcome - can be life changing.
We had thoughtful discussions around accessibility in all its forms and spoke about the critical role Articulate Cultural Trust plays across Scotland. By providing inclusive spaces, mentorship, and funding, Articulate continues to open doors, nurture talent, and advocate for young people navigating the creative sector.
Participant Spotlights and Project Showcasing
Every presentation showcased a journey of growth, technical development, and personal vision:
Daphne: Digital Art, Accessibility & Business Growth
Daphne shared their progression in digital art, a medium they had never explored prior to this year, though you would never had known - true raw talent and a gift that would have otherwise be unknown to the world! Through dedicated practice and workshops, Daphne not only mastered new digital techniques and made pet portraits for friends, but also expanded their professional horizons by securing new clients for their marketing consultancy CEPHA. Daphne also walked us through the work they've been doing to audit and upgrade clients websites, ensuring they are as accessible as possible for all users.
CEPHA Marketing provides freelance marketing services for the third sector and small businesses. Daphne, who has a degree in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, started their freelance consulting business after six years experience in the third sector.
The CEPHA Audit offers a deep dive into 8 areas of marketing tailored to each organisations goals, and is delivered as a report with actionable strategies and templates. Find out more about Daphne's incredible service here: https://www.cephamarketing.co.uk/
Mauton: Sustainable Textiles, Heritage & Representation
Mauton presented striking, original textile designs developed during screen-printing sessions at the studio. We spent time exploring Mauton's focus on sustainability and making repurposed garments for future releases. We brainstormed potential brand names for their emerging business idea that incorporates Nigerian fashion in new ways through androgynous street-wear inspired pieces. Our conversation naturally touched on the vibrant colour palettes of each design, heritage, and the importance of representation - both within the fashion world and across the broader art and cultural sectors.
Mauton's "No Pain, No Gain" t-shirt designs are available to buy from the Made With Care shop now: https://www.madewithcare.org/mauton
Charleigh: Global Reach, Zines & Solidarity
Charleigh highlighted how much she had learned through mentoring sessions and watching Youtube videos on creating digital art on Procreate. Sharing key metrics and highlights from her recent project "Gees Peace" through her initiative Elemental Ayrshire, showcasing the reach her work has achieved both online and offline. Her custom-designed T-shirts have traveled far and wide, worn by allies at conferences in Vienna, across music and art festivals in Scotland, in Montenegro and over in America.
Charleigh also presented her newly launched zine "Ayrshire: A History of Solidarity", speaking candidly about her hope that it serves as a bridge for connection, inspiring community solidarity and empathy during a time where misinformation is causing hostility and division.
Looking to the Future
To close the session, we looked toward what lies ahead - discussing how we plan to continue refining our skills, expanding our product lines, and building sustainable creative careers:
Charleigh aims to secure further funding to deliver free creative engagement workshops for young people across Scotland, using art as a tool to challenge social injustice and inequality. She is also working toward securing a place on the MA in Participatory Arts program at Queen Margaret University this coming January to further her career as a Creative Practitioner.
Daphne plans to expand their client base in marketing and communications while attending more creative workshops to share their natural talent for digital illustration. Daphne will be working with a group of young people with care-experience from Orkney, interviewing them and platforming the artwork they have created with Articulate.
Mauton aims to officially launch and develop their brand, producing a wider range of sustainable fashion and textile pieces using their vibrant, screen-printed designs. Alongside developing her creative projects, Mauton will be exploring the versatility of seaweed in her Food and Consumer Science degree - bringing sustainable innovation directly into her material practice.
In December Articulate will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary and our Made With Care participants will have the chance to showcase their work. We look forward to seeing what each person produces and gets to share with everyone on the day of the event.
Join Us in Supporting Young Creatives
Events like our Glasgow studio sharing session remind us how much is possible when young artists receive the space, resources, and support needed to thrive in their fields.
Want to support young artists or see the work coming out of our latest projects? Keep an eye out for future events through our social media and blog, and browse all of our artist-made products on the Made with Care shop now!
Together, we can help more young creatives turn their ideas into reality.
