In summer 2025, we hosted our first Working Artist Weeks – an opportunity for aspiring young global majority artists to explore potential career options as art makers.
A cross between an artist residency and work experience, artists were paired up with a teacher, and student, and their parent. Together they delved into topics such as perceptions of arts careers, young people’s ownership of creative spaces, teacher confidence in supporting young global majority artists, and more.
Read about what the artists, students, teachers a parents got up to at each of our sites below.
Peterborough
In Peterborogh we worked with artist Madhu Manipatruni, student Aicha, and teacher Rose. It was a joyous week, from early explorations through to a final sharing with homemade Portuguese food made by the student’s family. The energy in the room felt empowering. We can’t wait to see where this project goes next.
A massive thank you to artist Madhu for holding a nurturing creative space over the week, sharing their practice and valued experience in the arts with Aicha and Rose.
Special thanks to Nene Park for being such wonderful hosts for our sessions.
Liverpool
In Liverpool, student Lona, teacher Jade, and parent Mervat received mentorship from artist and creative psychotherapist Claire Beerjeraz. Lead by Claire, we made the city Lona’s campus, visiting film studios, theatres, exhibitions, galleries and museums, giving her a feel for what’s possible when creating and showing your work, and how painting skills can be used in things like stage design, costume and makeup, and sculpture.
Taking inspiration from Claire and Jade, Lona created new pieces of work reflecting her week. They were exhibited at Edge Hill Station, and presented to her family and art teachers. It was Lona’s first time painting large scale work, and experimenting with more abstract ways of expression to make a bold and colourful painting based on Liverpool’s skyline. To round off the week, Lona and Mervat headed to the Everyman Theatre to see a performance of The Snow Dragons by the Young Everyman Playhouse.
A huge thank you to Claire Beerjeraz for expertly guiding the week, and introducing Lona, Jade and Mervat to First Take, Everyman Theatre, Open Eye Gallery and Victoria Gallery & Museum.
Southend
An inspiring journey into creativity, confidence and self-expression, in Southend we worked with artist, writer and performer Anne Odeke, and student Lilian, alongside teachers Nicola and Lauren.
The week offered a rich exploration of performance, identity and storytelling: from baking and props inspired by Matilda, to warm-up techniques, Shakespeare readings, and valuable insights from a local theatre’s marketing and communications team. Participants also explored themes of pride, dreams, and self-confidence through sketching and painting, before travelling to London to see Back to the Future in the West End – Lilian’s first theatre experience.
Lilian’s week concluded with script writing, where she crafted an original piece exploring themes of female empowerment. We rounded off the experience with a shared family meal – a wonderful way to celebrate the week; and are excited for what lies ahead.
Working Artist Weeks is supported by Freelands Foundation.
