Jean McEwan – Visual Artist, Organiser and Facilitator

‏Create Connect Make is a year-long creative action research project with Jean McEwan, arts organisation The Leap  and Keighley Library to develop and test new creative ideas and activities with communities in Keighley.
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The project began in Autumn 2021 and through collaboration between Library staff and volunteers with local people and artists, aims to strengthen and showcase partnerships, and empower local people to lead on cultural events and activities.

“When we see things like shadows, colour, leaves. We listen to things, really simple things; water, birds, waterfalls. We notice more things.”

For 18 months, To Wander is to Adventure took place in Oastler Market, Bradford, exploring its spaces and making connections with its communities.

In 2020, the project was adapted to continue over Zoom, where a new group of participants were introduced to mindfulness, mindful walking techniques and creative practices.

In early 2021, the group were supported to co-create digital mindfulness resources to share their experiences and learning with others, as well as building their skills in creating and leading their own creative mindful activities.

The group are now meeting both online and in person for seasonal walks in nature in West Yorkshire to further develop their skills and experience.

See the digital resources made by the group