Libraries Live Journal - Journal - Page 1
Challenge Two
Boosting Confidence
Community members’ lack of
confidence and not believing that
they are creative led to a reluctance
to participate. Many library visitors
seemed keen to observe rather than
take part which indicated that they
were unsure about what the activities
were and what it meant for them.
steered the workshops to be less about
making a particular thing or learning
a particular skill and more about
everyday creativity, exploring the
mindfulness of making and spending
time in a supportive, calm space where
conversations and collaborations can
happen.
‘The most common feedback I got was
that people weren’t creative so couldn’t
or wouldn’t take part.’
The Outcome
Artist Ruth Singer
Problem Solving
One successful approach to this
challenge was to tailor activities to a
shared interest and love of the village,
drawing inspiration from their own
surroundings. Creative walks around
the village, looking for patterns and
decorative elements in the environment,
while encouraging conversations
about the community, formed a relaxed
atmosphere and people became more
open to the notion of creativity. Ruth
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Despite the lack of belief of creative
potential for many of the possible
participants, it was the surprise in
discovering creativity and learning
new skills that was the biggest point of
enjoyment for those that did participate.