Building Connections Through Creativity: Reflections on “Open Arts – Connect to Bangor”
At Boom Studios, we believe in the power of creativity to bring people together.
Over 16 weeks, our “Open Arts – Connect to Bangor” project has demonstrated how art can be a bridge between cultures, a tool for emotional well-being, and a way to build community.
Funded by the Public Health Agency via The Clear Project, this initiative provided a safe and welcoming space for newcomers to Bangor to express themselves through art, build confidence, and connect with others in the area. But it wasn’t just the participants who benefited—our facilitators also experienced profound personal and professional growth through delivering these sessions.
In a time when social isolation is a growing concern, this project proved that creativity can break barriers and bring people together.
Creativity as a Tool for Integration
Since Boom Studios was founded, our mission has been to provide vibrant, inclusive spaces where creativity thrives.
This “Open Arts – Connect to Bangor” project facilitated this through weekly drop-in art sessions, where participants explored photography, drawing, metalsmithing, digital art, painting and more.
These sessions weren’t just about making art—they were about making connections.
Many participants shared that the project helped them feel more at home in Bangor.
"I would love to do more things like this – it helped me to reduce some of my anxiety and worry today.”
This feedback speaks to the core of our work: creativity as a tool for mental well-being and social inclusion.
The Facilitators' Perspective: A Shared Learning Experience
While participants engaged in creative expression, our facilitators also underwent their own journey of connection, learning, and reflection.
Connection – Building Meaningful Relationships
Facilitators confirmed that the sessions were just as socially enriching for them as they were for the participants.
“Yes – I have made lifelong friends.”
The sessions provided a space for genuine human connection, reinforcing Boom Studios’ commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive creative environments.
Even as facilitators led the sessions, many found themselves learning from the participants —about different cultures, artistic perspectives, and life experiences.
This reinforces the idea that art is a two-way exchange, where knowledge and inspiration flow freely between facilitators and participants.
The project integrated physical movement into the creative process, through photowalks, sketch walks, or simply engaging with materials in a dynamic way.
This aligns with our mission to combine creativity with well-being , ensuring that art remains a full-body and immersive experience.
Facilitators became more aware of the challenges and barriers asylum seekers and migrants face, helping them tailor their sessions to be even more inclusive and supportive. Recognising the challenges and “… helping people not from here” , listening to and “….sharing difficult stories about their journey. ”
Facilitators overwhelmingly expressed a desire to keep giving their time to similar projects.
“...we will keep going if we can.”
This highlights the deep impact and fulfillment facilitators experienced, as well as the long-term value of community-driven creative programs.
While the project achieved its main objectives, facilitators also highlighted unexpected benefits and insights. These included cultural exchange and learning from participants’ backgrounds and traditions - enriching facilitators perspectives and professional growth, adapting their teaching methods to accommodate language barriers, diverse experiences, and skill levels. The sessions often had an emotional Impact, with many describing the sessions as deeply moving and rewarding.
We also identfied elements that can be improved;
Better Communication Between Service Providers – Stronger collaboration with local support organisations could enhance engagement.
More Awareness of Take 5 Messages – A structured introduction to wellbeing principles at the beginning of sessions would be helpful (this was actioned in later classes and also periodically posted in the Whatsapp group, following that feedback).
Diverse Activities in Future Projects – Offering new forms of creative expression to keep sessions fresh.
Longer-Term Engagement – Many facilitators felt 16 sessions weren’t enough and that participants would benefit from an ongoing creative space.
How This Shapes Our Future at Boom Studios
The “Open Arts – Connect to Bangor” project aligns with our Strategic Plan (2023-2027) in key ways:
Expanding Access to Creative Spaces – This project confirmed the growing demand for more inclusive and accessible art programs.
Strengthening Community Partnerships – Facilitators and participants alike emphasized the need for continued collaboration with local organisations.
Building Financial Resilience – Sustainable funding is essential to extend projects like this and support more long-term engagement.
Enhancing Well-Being Through Art – Mental health and creativity go hand in hand, reinforcing Boom Studios’ role in supporting emotional and social well-being.
Creativity as a Catalyst for Change
Open Arts – Connect to Bangor project proved that art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a lifeline for connection, confidence, and community building.
This project wasn’t just about providing art sessions. It was about:
🎨 Creating a sense of belonging.
🤝 Breaking down barriers between cultures.
💬 Providing a safe space for expression.
💖 Using creativity to uplift mental health and emotional well-being.
And that impact extended to everyone involved—participants, facilitators, and the wider community.
At Boom Studios, we are committed to listening, learning, and continuing to evolve so that our creative spaces remain open, inclusive, and impactful for all.
#CreativityForAll #OpenArts #CommunityThroughArt #BoomStudios