Everyone was friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed the creative atmosphere and the opportunity to express my personal story through collage while meeting people from different backgrounds.
Flight of Imagination
In February 2026, Calico Arts commissioned muralist Eli Delbaere to create a permanent mural for Sydenham Library, designed in collaboration with the community through two of the library’s existing free workshop sessions. Eli joined Susan Rafique’s weekly drop-in session and the classes of Anna Arianova, Sydenham Library’s artist in residence, to lead participants through drawings […]
Mother House Studios Lewisham
Mother House Studios Lewisham is a creative studio space for professional artists who are parents or carers, based at House on the Hill. Artists work in an open-plan studio while children play in an adjacent dedicated space, with care shared between facilitators and studio members. The model removes a significant barrier to arts practice for […]
Imaginations of Us
Imaginations of Us partnered with Downs Friendship and Creativity Group, Lewisham’s only Down syndrome family support group, hosted at Forest Hill Library. Through craft and conversation, young adults with Down syndrome explored their sense of place, identity and belonging, creating personal works that reimagined how the world sees them.
I wanted to personally thank you and the Forest Hill Library team for generously providing me with the workshop space to use for this project. Your collaboration was invaluable in the realisation of this project, turned creative lab, which I am now seeking funding for. It’s provided carers and young people with Down syndrome a creative space to reimagine their sense of belonging and how Lewisham can better cater to it.
Read the zine
Simply Listening
Through Simply Listening, we offer a free community listening service that created a welcoming, non-judgemental space for people to share experiences, feel heard and connect through compassionate conversation.
Inclusion & Community Belonging
Internal Landscapes
Internal Landscapes brought together Lewisham residents through storytelling, writing and visual arts to explore the places that shape their lives, resulting in a collective exhibition reflecting the borough’s shared experiences and communities.
Sanctuary in Sydenham
Through two workshops marking May Day and Refugee Week 2026, our Sanctuary in Sydenham series brough people to share stories of migration and common land, explore themes of courage and sanctuary, and create collaborative artwork for a community zine.