All Change Arts

All Change is committed to using the arts for social change and brings artists and communities together, producing original and authentic arts experiences, which develop understanding and make connections between people. Based in Islington, north London since 1985, we work with people of all ages and backgrounds, especially those who would not usually have the opportunity to participate in the arts. Our work is cross art form and interdisciplinary, delivered with exceptional associate artists. We believe creativity is a valuable life skill and that involvement in the arts can make a difference to individuals and communities. www.allchangearts.org

Our Going Places programme brings artists and arts companies together with older people in day centres, community and residential care settings.  This brings older people into arts and cultural venues to enjoy and experience the local arts and culture offer, and to share their own work, making them and their work visible.

All Change and Notting Hill Genesis have worked in partnership at the Mildmays Extra Care setting in Islington since 2016.  Using poetry, photography, dance and music to build connections, and to create and share original work together. These include making photography and animation with artist Leticia Valverdes, performing live at Sadlers Wells Theatre with dance artists from Candoco Dance company, visiting and exhibiting at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium; creating poetry inspired by a love of football and drinking tea with poet Simon Mole to welcome specially created poetry mugs to The Mildmays with a unique tea ceremony.

As part of a long term residency, All Change Associate Artist Francesca Beard, works fortnightly with residents to write poetry inspired by the times we live in and the world around us. Sometimes workshops focus on a key event, but mostly the project aims to make sure that residents feel connected to the rhythms and routines of the community and world they live in. While the pandemic kept us stuck indoors and apart from one another, we continued to work together to find ways to connect and create. In partnership with Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, three professional illustrators – Joanna Layla, Jhinuk Sarkar and Ben Connors, were commissioned to illustrate some poems. The art works were printed, framed and displayed in communal areas, bringing staff and residents alike a much needed change of scene, and a chance to imagine and journey from the comfort of their home, when Covid restrictions prevented us from venturing far.

Whenever we can, All Change artists and residents come together to share poetry, music and dancing as part of a series of Block Parties, bringing much needed joy and laughter.