Exploring Art and the Creative Process as a Tool in Engaged Outreach

As we seek innovative ways to connect with our communities, we are reminded that powerful messages often travel through channels beyond words. Art, in its many forms, provides a unique language for expression, dialogue, and understanding, making it an essential tool for meaningful public engagement.

In this spirit, our Social Accountability Working Group hosted a Coffee Club event titled “Explore Art and the Creative Process.” Moving beyond traditional formats, we created a dynamic, hands-on space designed to bridge the gap between science and art.

The Wolfson Pavilion Foyer was transformed into a vibrant space featuring three interactive stations. A knitting table invited participants to weave together conversation and craft and a communal art table allowed for collaborative painting and drawing. A robotics table demonstrated the creative potential of technology with Dr. Ralph Borland showcasing “African Robots”, his collaboration with street wire artists in Southern Africa which introduces electronics and mechanics to their practice. This multi-sensory approach celebrated diverse forms of creativity, affirming that every individual has a unique way of engaging and creating.

The centrepiece of the event was a powerful art exhibition by Felicity Hartley, which explored young women’s lived experiences of sexual health barriers. Through a series of art pieces, the exhibition translated personal narratives into a visual dialogue, challenging stigma and fostering a profound sense of empathy among attendees. The art provided a courageous and accessible entry point to discuss critical health issues that are often difficult to articulate.

The session was more than an event; it was a platform for connection. By creating a space for dialogue through shared activity, we honoured the core of social accountability: listening, understanding, and responding with creativity. Through such continued and inclusive engagement, we hope to use the power of art and the creative process to build a more empathetic and connected society, one conversation at a time.