A CAN Young Artists project with the Horizons Collective of British East and South East Asian artists and practitioners working in the North West
Together with CAN, Horizons Collective artists Edane Ng, an animator, theatre-maker and pianist and Maria Luc, a spoken word artist and pianist, were commissioned by the collective to deliver a community-led project using animation and music with children and young people living in emergency accommodation.
For Edane and Maria, this was their first experience of working with children and people housed in emergency accommodation.
“To bring out authentic stories of the community at the heart of what I do. And to use music to bring out the stories with experimental animation. Being in charge of creation and direction has made me really happy.”
Edane Ng, Artist
The collaboration featured in-depth one-to-one training and mentoring for Edane and Maria with CAN’s Creative Director Anna Vu Thompson and Creative Producer Michelle Udogu on developing and delivering a successful community project.
A workshop for young people in emergency accommodation was supported by musician and storyteller Godfrey Pambalipe, who is an artist with a significant track record working with people who are refugees or are in the asylum system.
During the project, 68 young people and over 20 adults participated in a workshop featuring guided creative exercises and open play. They produced drawings based on positive childhood experiences.
“The new project has been fantastic and enjoyable. It’s a very good experience because I do visual art by myself and now share something with someone else. I believe more that I am an artist.”
CAN Young Artist
The project featured in-depth work in creative writing, live composition, and mentoring for CAN Young Artist Aida Hassanzandeh, an emerging illustrator who is 26 years old. Aida worked with Kimia Raffieian, an experienced artist with a shared Persian heritage.
“Since doing this project, I believe more in myself. I can be an artist; before, I was just working in my room, but now, it is more real.”
Illustrator and Volunteer, Aida Hassanzandeh
Left to right: Maria Luc, Edane Ng and Aida Hassanzandeh
The young people’s stories became the central narrative of the final animation and were shared at the Horizon’s Collective Showcase at Lowry on Wednesday 12 February.
“At CAN, we believe in the power of art and culture and how it can enrich lives, expand opportunities for creative expression, and unlock powerful storytelling.”
“We love to work with emerging artists and help them to develop their understanding and experience of socially engaged work with people, particularly those from the asylum system.”
“We are committed to nurturing and supporting a new generation of global majority artists to ensure better representation of artists in the creative workforce.”
“This project has been a game-changer for Aida Hassanzandeh, a talented young illustrator, who has been able to refine her craft, connect with artists who share her passion, and find new inspiration to fuel her creative journey.”
CAN’s Creative Director, Anna Vu Thompson
Thanks to Lowry for their in-kind support.
CAN is supported by
