Derventio’s Art Project Experience
Derventio Housing Trust has a strong track record of delivering high-quality, Arts Council England-funded creative projects with people facing homelessness and other complex challenges. Our projects have introduced participants to a wide range of artistic practices, supported new ways of self-expression and helped challenge stereotypes by sharing lived experience through creative work.
Below are examples of some of our previous projects.
Change the Picture (2015)
Change the Picture was a hands-on photography course led by photographer Jon Legge. Participants developed technical skills while exploring photography as a powerful tool for documenting and sharing personal experiences.
Images created during the project were exhibited locally, including at U Choose Smoothie Bar in Ilkeston town centre, Ilkeston Community Hospital and London Road Community Hospital.
Change the Picture 2 (2016-17)
Building on the success of the previous project, and working again with photographer Jon Legge, Change the Picture 2 delivered a new photography course using carefully chosen activities that encouraged creative exploration.
A selection of photographs was exhibited at venues in Ilkeston, Burton on Trent and Derby. The Derby exhibition formed part of FORMAT 17, an international photography festival.
Do you see the world differently now? (2018-21)
Do You See the World Differently Now? was a three-year programme engaging people with experience of homelessness, drug and alcohol misuse and other complex challenges in contemporary arts practice.
Through photography, creative writing, textiles, printing techniques and projection, participants were supported to explore and communicate their stories, perspectives and experiences.
Out of the Box
Working with artist and creative writer Jan Flamank, participants used their own stories to create haiku-style poems that reflected personal moments and emotions. Photographer Jon Legge worked alongside the group throughout the project to document the process and outcomes.
Click the image to read the booklet:
Shine a Light
In collaboration with contemporary visual artist Olivia Penrose Punnett, participants explored Derby Museum’s collection, including the work of Joseph Wright. They selected artworks that resonated with them and translated their responses through mono-printing and projection. Photographer Jon Legge worked with participants to document the project.
Click the image to read the booklet:
Parade of Banners
Working with contemporary textile artist Laura McCaferty, participants created individual and collaborative textile banners inspired by local mining and textile heritage. The project culminated in a parade and a touring exhibition. Photographer Jon Legge documented the process and final outcomes.
