Our Creative Connection Podcast

About Our Creative Connection Podcast

Exploring the world of Social Change through the lenses of Participatory Photography, Community Development & Creative Health. We’ll hear from thought leaders, practitioners & community members to share their stories & experiences. Whether you're a community activist, a photographer, community development worker, or just curious about the intersection of visual arts and social change, this podcast is for you. Join the mailing list https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/mailing-list

Publisher

Chris Chinnock

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Aug 2023

Latest episode

7 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Jun 2026

   Art of Connection - 4 Domains of Creative Health

   After a bit of a hiatus, we're launching a new series inspired by our Arts Council England funded project, The Art of Connection.Across the series we'll be exploring creativity, connection, community and well-being through conversations with people working at the intersection of arts, health and social change.Our first episode features a conversation with the National Centre for Creative Health, reflecting on the four domains of creative health and what they might mean for communities, organisations and practitioners.This podcast explores community centred ways to demonstrate impact in arts and creative health projects, emphasising relational, process-driven, and narrative approaches over traditional metrics. Key topicsImpact measurement in arts and healthCapabilities framework for evaluationStorytelling and narrative in impact assessmentKeywordscreative health, impact measurement, arts impact, storytelling, capabilities framework, relational evaluation, community arts, intergenerational work, arts and health, creative connectionChapters00:00 Introduction to the Art of Connection Podcast03:08 The Power of Art in Community Health06:01 Exploring the Capabilities Framework09:11 Intergenerational Work and Its Impact12:14 Creative Practices and Storytelling15:10 Navigating Individual and Collective Creative Practices18:06 The Role of Environment in Creative Engagement20:53 Iterative Processes in Community Projects23:58 Moments of Impact and Reflection27:04 The Complexity of Measuring Change29:59 Empathy and Relationships in Creative Practices39:23 Bridging Generational Gaps41:50 The Art of Conversation43:38 Creative Connections and Community46:03 Challenging Misconceptions of Aging47:27 Redefining Health and Well-Being55:26 Exploring the Capabilities FrameworkResourcesHillary Cottum's Radical Help - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Radical-Help-Revolutionise-Welfare-State/dp/1786074684Arts Council England - https://www.artscouncil.org.ukCapabilities Framework (by Stacey Durham) - https://example.com/capabilities-frameworkArt of Connection Project - https://example.com/art-of-connection

2. 

   21 Nov 2024

   Project CREATE: Arts Based Mental Health Research. In conversation with Danelle Lee and Professor Paul Cooke from Leeds University

   Danelle Lee and Professor Paul Cooke from the University of Leeds discuss Project CREATE, an arts-based mental health research initiative that prioritizes youth engagement and co-production to better understand creativity's role in mental health.

3. 

   5 Sept 2024

   Cormac Russell - Exploring community strengths through the lens of Participatory Photography

   Summary In this conversation, Chris Chinnock and Cormac Russell discuss the concepts of asset-based community development (ABCD) and participatory photography. Exploring the idea of a good life and how it can be interpreted in different ways by individuals and communities. They emphasize the importance of building relationships and trust when working with communities, and the need to relocate authority to the community level. They also discuss the power dynamics between institutions and communities, and the limitations of top-down approaches. The conversation highlights the value of using photographs as a tool for expression and storytelling, and the role of community associations in building collective strength. The conversation explores the power of community and the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of individuals within a community. It emphasizes the need for institutions to shift from a mindset of doing things to people to one of working with people. The conversation also highlights the role of storytelling and photography in capturing the essence of a community and challenging negative narratives. The upcoming book by Cormac Russell will focus on the concept of 'harmless help' and the universal practices that can support effective community engagement. About Cormac Russell Cormac is a social explorer, an author and a much sought-after speaker. He is the Founding Director of Nurture Development and a member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, at DePaul University, Chicago. Over the last 25 years, Cormac’s work has demonstrated an enduring impact in 35 countries around the world. He has trained communities, agencies, NGOs and governments in ABCD and other community-based approaches in Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe and North America. His most recent books are https://theconnected.community/ (Coauthor John McKnight); Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2022, and http://rekindlingdemocracy.net/; Cascade Books, 2020. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:04 Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) 11:45 Power Dynamics in Community-Centered Approaches 17:46 The Impact of COVID-19 on Community Dynamics 24:37 Reimagining the Role of Institutions in Community Development 29:57 Embracing Diversity and Individual Perspectives 30:45 Exploring the Concept of a 'Good Life' 37:57 The Power of Photographs in Personal Narratives 41:25 Creating a Safe Space for Sharing and Building Trust 46:37 Collective Storytelling and Community Connections 56:00 The Power of Photo Voice and ABCD 01:02:47 Inward Looking: Organizational Piece 01:05:30 Exploring What Helping Means without Causing Harm Keywords asset-based community development, participatory photography, good life, relationships, trust, authority, power dynamics, institutions, communities, storytelling, community associations, community, institutions, storytelling, photography, harm, help, practices

4. 

   23 Jul 2024

   Joanna Grace - The Sensory Projects

   Jo Grace, founder of the Sensory Projects, discusses her work in creating inclusive experiences for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. She shares her journey from teaching to developing sensory stories and the importance of ongoing learning and improvement in the field of inclusion. Jo emphasizes the value of simplicity and accessibility in her work, using everyday materials to create meaningful experiences. She highlights the power of monosensory experiences for individuals with profound disabilities and the need to break down complex concepts into manageable components. Jo Grace discusses the importance of inclusive research and the challenges of conducting research with people with profound intellectual disabilities. She shares her journey of obtaining funding for her sensory projects and her six-month research period to understand how people with disabilities perceive the world. Jo emphasizes the need for silence and allowing processing time for individuals with disabilities. She also talks about her current PhD research on identity and belonging for people with profound intellectual disabilities. Find out more about Jo's work here https://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk Keywords inclusion, sensory projects, profound intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, sensory stories, accessibility, monosensory experiences, inclusive research, profound intellectual disabilities, sensory projects, processing time, identity, belonging. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:38 The Journey Towards Sensory Stories 07:21 Challenges and Reflections on Inclusion 10:18 The Power of Sensory Stories in Education 17:23 Kickstarter Campaign and Funding 23:34 Bringing Glastonbury to School 26:48 The Impact of Sensory Stories 30:04 The Joy of Sensory Engagement 34:37 The Power of Simplicity in Sensory Engagement 35:59 Reimagining Photo Voice Work 38:21 The Power of Silence and Processing Time 45:13 Navigating the Challenges of Inclusive Research 53:54 The Journey to Recovery 01:04:33 Creating an Accessible and Inclusive World I am so grateful to Jo for sharing her story in this conversation! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

5. 

   25 May 2024

   Dr Tasha Golden - Art & Creativity for Health & Wellbeing

   In this epsiode Dr. Tasha Golden discusses the intersection of art and health, highlighting the importance of creativity in promoting well-being. Tasha shares her journey from being a singer-songwriter to pursuing a PhD in public health, focusing on how the arts can affect our health and well-being. Tasha emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between the possibilities of art and the limitations of other spaces, such as workplaces and clinics. She also explores the concept of well-being and the role of art in creating thriving communities. The conversation touches on the challenges of defining art in the context of health and the importance of recognizing the value of art in promoting human survival. The conversation explores the impact of arts and creativity on health and well-being, specifically through the lens of arts on prescription programs. Tasha shares her experiences working with incarcerated girls and how their poetry and creative expression can influence judges, policymakers, and law enforcement. The conversation also delves into the creation of a field guide for arts on prescription programs in US communities. The discussion highlights the importance of creativity in communication and the potential for arts and health initiatives to challenge perceptions and create positive change. About Dr Tasha Golden Dr. Tasha Golden, PhD is a speaker, consultant, and Director of Research at the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins. As an internationally-recognized leader in the science of “Creativity x Wellbeing,” Golden’s talks and publications have helped catalyze paradigm shifts in healthcare, public health, and the creative sector—such as her work on “Arts on Prescription”: a growing model of care that is reshaping how “health” is defined and created. Holding a PhD in Public Health, Golden's work is informed by her history as a career singer/songwriter, founder of Project Uncaged: a trauma-informed creative writing program for incarcerated youth, and developer of “How We Human”: a pioneering Mental Health training designed specially for creative professions. Bridging research and action, Golden’s partnership tools and “Health IDEAS Framework” have helped thousands of leaders reimagine and enhance their work, grow their reach, and ignite their social impact. Recent projects focus on arts/culture assets as untapped health resources, and the wellbeing impacts of design and immersive experiences—emphasizing practical applications for city- and industry leaders. Learn more at ⁠tashagolden.com⁠. This episode is funded by Arts Council England as part of the Sensory Stories project being delivered by Our Creative Connection. Keywords art, health, well-being, creativity, community, thriving, meaning, connection, togetherness, asset-based community development, arts, creativity, health, well-being, arts on prescription, incarcerated girls, poetry, judges, policymakers, law enforcement, field guide, US communities, UK, communication, perceptions, positive change

6. 

   2 Feb 2024

   Yoga & Photography - in conversation with Ellie Firth from Umbrella Yoga

   In this episode of the Our Creative Connection Podcast join me in conversation with Ellie Firth from Umbrella Yoga to discuss a recent collaborative project with Barnardos. Together, we worked with four diverse groups in community settings, employing a blend of yoga and photography to explore the senses and delve into the concept of self.We reflect on the practical aspects of our project—how the combination of yoga and photography provided a unique avenue for connecting with individuals in community settings. We'll share insights into the methods used to engage participants and the tangible impact observed in their sense of self-awareness.This episode offers a down-to-earth exploration of the intersection between mindfulness practices, creative expression, and community engagement. Tune in for an authentic look at our journey together and the lessons learned along the way

7. 

   30 Nov 2023

   Photovoice Worldwide - building a community of practice around Participatory Photography

   Stephanie Lloyd & Lee Ann Tourigny from Photovoice Worldwide join me in conversation to reflect on our shared passion for all things Photovoice! In this podcast we're talking about the need to support practitioners, share learning and create opportunities for collaboration in the world of Photovoice as well as sharing thoughts and experiences from our own practice using this method!It was wonderful to chat with two people who care about Photovoice as much as I do! I would highly recommend you check out the the work that Photovoice Worldwide do and get involved in the movement! https://www.photovoiceworldwide.com (https://www.photovoiceworldwide.com/)

8. 

   21 Nov 2023

   Heidi Fisher MBE - Social Enterprise & Measuring Impact

   It was great to welcome Heidi Fisher from Make An Impact CIC on to the show! Heidi works with social enterprises, public sector organisations and purpose-led businesses who want to create MORE impact in the world as effortlessly as possible. We cover a LOT of ground in this conversation reflecting on our experiences in the world of Social Enterprise and drawing on Heidi's expertise with demonstrating impact. Heidi specialises in health, social care, wellbeing and training/skills organisations to develop impact or social value measurement systems to automate your data collection and analysis. Having received an MBE for Services to Innovation in Social Enterprise and to Impact Measurement, following 20 years of hard work, Heidi has helped over 2,100 social enterprises, from start-ups to those with over £1bn of income in the UK and internationally. Heidi is the author of “Social Enterprise: How to successfully set up and grow a social enterprise” (http://amzn.to/2ehu5XN) and “Impact First: The social entrepreneur’s guide to measuring, managing and growing your impact” (https://makeanimpactcic.co.uk/about-2/my-book-impact-first/). You can also check Heidi's own 'Make an Impact' podcast here (http://bit.ly/MAIpodcast).

9. 

   20 Oct 2023

   Shy Burhan - Socially Engaged Photographer talking about creativity, well being and community

   In this episode join me and Shy Burhan as we discuss our different paths towards 'Socially Engaged Photography' I am so grateful to Shy for sharing her story and her work with me - we cover creativity, well being, community and of course - photography!! Shy is a socially engaged photographer and storyteller whose work has tackled diverse topics, such as food wastage and food poverty, positive body representation, survival stories of domestic abuse victims, regeneration of city centres, turning the big ’40’, and celebrating women of colour who work in industries where they’re under-represented. She’s also run participatory photography workshops with people seeking sanctuary and young people from inner city areas of her home city of Bradford as she’s passionate about giving agency to under-represented groups to relay their own visual narratives where possible. You can see Shy's work on her website https://shybphotography.com and https://www.instagram.com/shybphotography/?hl=en

10. 

    16 Oct 2023

    Georgina Clarke from Ascent Wellbeing - Psychological Safety

    It was lovely to chat with Georgina Clarke from Ascent Wellbeing to explore this question and much more in the latest Our Creative Connection Podcast! 🎙 In this conversation we discuss how Psychological Safety can help create an environment where every person feels heard, valued, and respected. 🌟 I am fascinated at the almost parallel worlds of community development and organisational development. A different language is build up around each but fundamentally it’s about people coming together to do ‘stuff’ isn’t it? Well if that’s the case then I have a hunch that Photography might just enhance that experience (but then I would say that)! Tune in for insights, practical tips, and real-life examples of how Psychological Safety can make a difference in your organization. You can see more about Georgina's work at Ascent Wellbeing here https://www.ascentwellbeing.com (https://www.ascentwellbeing.com/)

11. 

    25 Aug 2023

    Abril Rios - Photovoice practitioner from Mexico working with people to explore themes of Migration & Gender

    Hugely grateful to Abril for sharing her amazing experiences with me in this conversation. We talk about her motivation and interest in the areas of Migration and Gender which she has been exploring through Photovoice. In this conversation we talk about Migration in South America & the United States as well as Sudan and Kenya where Abril has also worked. Abril is also currently studying for her PHD in Migration Studies at Oxford University. To learn more about Abril's work please take a look at her website https://abrilrios6.wordpress.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUNDck85QlBXVVV5R1k5NTZnaGdreW1EUGgwd3xBQ3Jtc0tuS3BCS2ZJZ2FzejM5cFJHM1dmZURqYy1QRGsxazhVNjgwQ0dNN2pTR0NGdVhHQlh3UjNRVEQ1a1lUUi1OaVYzQmxZeDN3S2MyVG5wUnNtT0RVSjNTZzNjWDZQRHBTcFBaaURUVEkwd1RkQVRCWV9iYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fabrilrios6.wordpress.com%2F&v=yrYtJR1RtWU) or email Abril direct at abrilrios@protonmail.ch I hope you enjoy the show! Chris Chinnock Our Creative Connection https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1lmOTVlWW1nSlNDNF9Bd3BFb2paTm9OYURZQXxBQ3Jtc0tsVlJIeFpsN3RWVXZIOTRDZm9ONUxrQTQ4LUNIbVZhdmNiMHpRRGxrelJhQk9zeDVfUG5rdk1adVlsdXJkbFFNazVmTVpQX2tST2xLd3NVcm11cFpFcDZSR0tZMGxHZmpYX1F4aGp3THZ5RmVOTkdKdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourcreativeconnection.org%2F&v=yrYtJR1RtWU)

12. 

    22 Aug 2023

    Our Creative Connection Podcast - Introduction

    Hi everyone, welcome to the Our Creative Connection podcast. My name is Chris and I run a social enterprise in the north of England called Our Creative Connection that uses photography for social change. In my work, I use images to help people tell their own story and show us the world from their point of view. I've spent 20 years in community development and in that time I've met some amazing people doing some wonderful work finding different ways to connect people in communities around the things that are important to them. I've created this podcast series as a way of bringing some of those people into conversation to share their learning, share their experiences, and hopefully share that with a wider audience. So thank you so much for listening. I hope that you enjoy these conversations.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.