Creative Communities - An afternoon at The People’s Picnic by Aleena
University of Birmingham placement student Aleena has been getting stuck in to the myriad of Creative Black Country projects during her time with us. A weekend invite in early October took her to a quiet street in Walsall for a picnic with dolls…
On a small street corner in Walsall, you’ll come across a vibrant, dazzling window display. You couldn’t miss it. As you get closer, you’re greeted by an enchanting display of dolls that beckons you back to your own childhood.
The dolls appear busy; chatting over tea, taking hot air balloon rides, riding scooters into forever and looking out into the world. You really do become captivated by the decorative display brought together by the community.
The project was planned by four amazing women (Alison Maxim, Jamila Fazal, Keira Edgington and Ruth Radcliffe) at the Creative Factory. They have spent three months planning and delivering sessions for the local community to come in and dress dolls up: Dolls in Union Jack flags and kimonos, in long maxis and pencil skirts, in wool and satin were all creatively designed from scratch with the materials provided by the team.
Alison, in a pink jumper and bold, beautiful necklaces, laughed, ‘Everyone’s asking me what it’s for? Well, it’s a bit of fun, really!’ and it was clear from the buzz and excitement in the room, as children worked on paper dolls and adults talked cheerfully about the success of the project, just how fun it was.
The Creative Factory, led by Deb Slade, has enlivened the neighbourhood and brought together people to create a beautiful local community. The great work being done can be seen through the range of activities it has on offer. Throughout the week there are crafts for parents and toddlers, sell-out bingo, local history nights and activities for vulnerable groups. One mother, who lives down the road, talked about how she had been bringing her children here for seven years and had no place to go except Bilston Library for community projects before the Creative Factory opened, a valuable example of what spaces like these have to offer.
Another successful group led by the Creative Factory that participated in the doll installation project was The Asian Ladies Network, a women-only support network that nurtures friendship and personhood on a weekly basis. Jamila, one of the founders, remarked how the project reminded the women of their younger selves: ‘The ladies found it really quite lovely. It took them back to a more carefree time where they would dress up and celebrate.’ It appeared this struck a chord with the many people who came in to dress the dolls. Throughout the event, I kept hearing how imaginative people got with the dolls and how it perhaps transported them or served as a reminder of simpler times.
The dolls installation project gave people a chance to express themselves with flair and originality. It was a chance to be creative and innovative and take a moment of respite in this busy world.
The Creative Factory is mostly a volunteer-led organisation and is pivotal in providing arts and community projects to the area. The love and devotion with which it is run can be felt, and it is a small hub of joy on the corner of your local street.
The People’s Picnic project was supported by Creative Black Country’s ‘Creative Communities’ strand. If you have a project idea for your community, you can find out more here.
Images by Gavin Medza