We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our two holiday family workshop artists, Reem Acason and Nancy Odufona for designing and delivering a series of exciting creative workshops to children of all ages, families, and adults during the school holidays over the last year. Their efforts brought in over 700 visitors to the Pavilion, giving everyone the opportunity to get creative and express themselves through a range of artistic techniques.
We caught up with both Reem and Nancy to ask them about their experience and what their future plans are:
What made this opportunity significant to you?
Reem: This has been a wonderful experience for me in numerous ways. The De la Warr Pavilion is a very special place, not only as an important cultural institution but also as the heart of community surrounding it. I have really enjoyed working in collaboration with Dee and Miguel in the Learning and Participation department and also Nancy Odufona, devising projects together but also learning about each others’ working practices. I feel that my understanding of the logistics, parameters and potential of delivering community projects has expanded immeasurably in my time working at DLWP.
Nancy: Working with another artist and sharing ideas for workshops was significant for me. It was nice to work as a team and collaborate closely with someone of colour.
In what ways did the program enhance your skills and professional practice?
Reem: I have always enjoyed working collaboratively but this programme has given me further experience and confidence in designing, developing and delivering projects alongside other professionals. I now feel much more confident applying for opportunities with other organisations in the future.
Nancy: The program allowed me to develop my skills in working with larger groups and young people. With a background in teaching in higher education, this experience expanded my ability to work with young people from ages 3 to 12.
How did consistently working with families differ from your usual practice?
Reem: I have delivered numerous workshops to groups of children and adults, but never to groups with mixed ages until now. This has been an overwhelming positive experience, watching the collaboration and cross pollination of ideas within families has been lovely to see.
Nancy: My experience has primarily been working with young people between 16-18. It was nice to see families come together and share skills. My mum used to take me to workshops when I was young, and this is where I became passionate about art and creativity, so it was wonderful to see groups of people enjoying themselves. The workshops are an opportunity for people and families to come together, learn, and have fun.
What was the highlight of your year or your favourite moment from the workshops?
Reem: Witnessing families and people of all ages and backgrounds spending quality time together, creating playful, open ended and experimental artwork. It has been lovely seeing children, or individuals who would not normally visit galleries, feel completely relaxed and happy in that environment.
Nancy: It’s hard to pinpoint exactly, as it has been a wonderful opportunity. However, if I had to choose, I would say that feeling connected to the De La Warr team and supported throughout was a highlight. This support allowed me to build my confidence in working with larger groups and coming up with engaging workshop ideas. It was wonderful to receive amazing support from the Learning and Participation team, as well as the volunteers. I truly felt like part of a team.
What was your most significant challenge, and what changes would you make?
Reem: The materials budget was a challenge and limited the types of artworks that participants could make. Most of the workshops we ran were craft based (cutting, sticking, gluing and colouring) but it would be great to expand this offering to other material processes. Having a larger budget would allow more freedom and ambition in outcomes.
Nancy: The most challenging thing for me was creating activities that were accessible for children. The first workshop I conducted involved making pom poms, which was really hard as it required tying knots and cutting wool with paper scissors. Despite the difficulty, it was rewarding because it enabled me to think about activities in a new way. I wanted to ensure that each activity would be accessible to all ages.
What are your future plans and goals as an artist?
Reem: I am currently half way through my MA Fine Art at Brighton University. I have recently formed a collective with two other artists and we have a group show in Bermondsey at the end of July. I am exhibiting in a group show in Germany next year. I am currently developing a new body of work including large installations which I am very much enjoying. I plan to continue exhibiting work in group shows and plan to create a body of work which could form a solo show in the future, hopefully at a gallery like DLWP!
Nancy: I am currently in the process of moving to Liverpool, and I’m excited to connect with the creative community in the city.
Once again, a huge thank you to Reem and Nancy for delivering such an incredible programme of holiday workshops, we wish you all the best for the future. Be sure to follow them both on Instagram to stay up-to-date with their latest projects!
Follow Reem on Instagram @reemacason
Follow Nancy on Instagram @nancyodufona
