A WORLD IN A SUITCASE
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A World in a Suitcase - (AWIASC), an innovative mixed media visual storytelling project inspires people from diverse communities to take a fresh look at their 'Worlds' through sharing stories, art, photography, paper collage & film.
The aim of this project is to foster closer relations, understanding, empathy and tolerance between communities.
The aim of this project is to foster closer relations, understanding, empathy and tolerance between communities.
A Suitcase as a container represents a 'World' filled with emotions and stories about home, childhood, future dreams or other times and places in people’s life.
A World in a Suitcase is an independent enterprise and works in partnership with voluntary organisations, education establishments and a diverse range of community groups. We can adapt our project for learning or training, team building and cohesion. Our output can be a catalyst for change for individuals or organisations.
A World in a Suitcase Production
Our World in Lockdown
In this VIDEO COLLAGE 9 people from diverse communities from London share their response to isolation/lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic 2020. The ordinary voice of older people is a powerful voice usually not heard and we are proud to give them a platform to express their feelings. 
Worlds in Suitcases
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TANGIBLE OUTCOMES FOR INDIVIDUALS
AND ORGANISATIONS We work with a diverse range of grassroots community groups. With all our projects we ensure that there is a tangible, meaningful outcome, that the participants can feel ownership and part of. Working individually on the chosen themes they then come together as a coherent team to serve the outcome for the betterment of the community, to design a banner or a calendar or an exhibition, a website or a film. This process enables a sense of meaning both individually and collectively for a group. WHO IS OUR PROJECT FOR? |
What we do
In addition we can run one day ‘events' for new learners at the start of their learning journeys and come back at a later date and run another ‘event’ at the end of their pathway, showcasing their development in a visual way. These events can be for both ESOL or other learners as part of their induction. The themes of Identity and Belonging are more relevant than ever for any group in any setting.
There are between 10 and twenty participants in each group whose ages range from 16 up to 90+ years old.
Each person goes through the same process of exploring their past and present identities. They bring in objects of personal meaning to add to their suitcase - their World, and/or they create a collage or montage that tells their stories in words and images.
The key for creating connections with other people and breaking down isolation within the community is by getting out of the house, making friends, being heard and retelling your story to help reconnect with what your life is all about. You are looking back to move forwards. It’s not about reminiscence; it’s about validating your life experiences and wisdom and looking at how life’s shaped who you are.
Each person goes through the same process of exploring their past and present identities. They bring in objects of personal meaning to add to their suitcase - their World, and/or they create a collage or montage that tells their stories in words and images.
The key for creating connections with other people and breaking down isolation within the community is by getting out of the house, making friends, being heard and retelling your story to help reconnect with what your life is all about. You are looking back to move forwards. It’s not about reminiscence; it’s about validating your life experiences and wisdom and looking at how life’s shaped who you are.
Check out our Press Coverage page and see the brilliant SHAK banner, Calendar art from the Thamesbank Centre here, and from Glastonbury House wonderful images via the iPad to tell their stories.
News
See our current work on Identity and Belonging
Testimonials
'A World In a Suitcase Project’ was one of WAES most successful community cohesion projects to date", Sindi Hearn - Community Partnership Manager - Westminster Adult Education Service
'A World In a Suitcase Project’ "A wonderful and creative session this morning with Myrna and Tim".
SHAK - Annie Hooper, Community Engagement Manager.
SHAK - Annie Hooper, Community Engagement Manager.
"It is lovely to see that people can have a platform to express and investigate their own creativity", Rui
"A World In a Suitcase project’ ignited a passion amongst the participants and they are looking forward to working with Tim and Myrna on future projects," Mahbuba Khan,
Bengali Outreach Worker and Founder of 'The English Speaking Clubs' in Westminster libraries.
Bengali Outreach Worker and Founder of 'The English Speaking Clubs' in Westminster libraries.
'A World in a Suitcase project' "brought out an interest and a craft that I didn’t know existed in me; the thrill of coming here, my legs couldn't get me here quick enough", Sue
"Thank you to 'A World in a Suitcase' for the recent art project that ran for three weeks at our Conway House hostel.The World in a Suitcase (AWIASC) team helped participants to explore the various worlds that make up a community, enabling them to discover their talents, passion, skills and confidence to overcome the barriers they face to social and economic inclusion. Our Conway House residents enjoyed the sessions so much our *ETE Coordinator at Conway House is hoping to entice AWIASC back very soon," Sarah ETE Coordinator at Conway House.
"I had not known before I came on this course that art could be such fun", Samuel
"Working in the community together as friends, sisters and brothers we created something for the community. By working together on something shared we have learnt about each other". Aziza
A World in a Suitcase project was a "Breath of fresh air. 'Thanks so much for doing this. You are good teachers and I trust you. This is a safe place to do this and I need a safe space". Rhys
Testimonials
Some of the organisations we work with include: The Pepper Pot Centre, ETAT @ Thamesbank Centre, SHAK, Conway House, Church Street Library, Queens Park Library, Penfold Community Hub, Open Age, The Avenues, St. Margaret’s, Glastonbury House, St. Mary Mags, Paddington Arts & Wellcome Trust.
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PARTNERS: A World in a Suitcase is funded by Westminster Adult Education. WAES and Create Church Street
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