EcoGPX® Coventry Residency Report: A Creative-led Response to Community Achievements and Issues

The EcoGPX® residency, launched by Intercultural Roots in May 2024 with support from a £100,000 Innovate UK grant, commenced its first eco-arts residency in Coventry on July 17th. Integrating artistic creativity, ecological advocacy, and digital technology, EcoGPX® aims to highlight and address local social and environmental issues as well as celebrate the valued heritage, culture and achievements of Coventry and Warwickshire.

Context and Background

Before arriving in Coventry, Intercultural Roots had already made significant strides via an Innovate UK Creative Catalyst 2023 Award for EcoGPX®, completing a successful pilot phase in Ilkley, Bradford in January 2024. This included the launch of an initial app, designed to encourage mindful interaction with the environment through digital prompts and performances. The success in Ilkley, engaging over 22 local and international contributors, set a high standard for EcoGPX® in Coventry!

Recognising Coventry and Warwickshire as a 'Creative Cluster' for the UK, the Innovate UK funding enabled Intercultural Roots to facilitate a Coventry residency with local grassroots artists and ecological co-creators. Starting from May 1, 2024, the project undertook a comprehensive two-month engagement with local community groups to ensure that EcoGPX® effectively addresses specific local challenges and aspirations. The findings reveal a strong community desire to celebrate Coventry’s intercultural heritage, improve access to green spaces, address social inclusion issues, and preserve public art spaces, among other challenges.

EcoGPX® Coventry Residency Report - full version available here

Day 1 - Connecting Cultures Through Creativity (July 17, 2024)

The residency began with a poetry and writing workshop at the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, co-led by Jess Eastman and Emilie Lauren, Coventry's first Poet Laureate. The workshop explored sensory perceptions beyond sight and illustrated the transformative power of inclusive creative practices. Notable moments included Tracy’s sensory experience with an apple tree and Derek Headley’s reflective poem "The Dance," which contrasted his past as a dancer with his current vision challenges.

The afternoon session moved to Binley and Willenhall, where artists Janaki Sinjali and Janet Tryner co-led a land art workshop with natural materials. Participants, including local resident Caz Bailey, expressed both the joy and frustration of interacting with changing natural spaces. The day ended with a celebratory gathering at Claybrookes Marsh, reflecting the positive and collaborative spirit of the residency.

Day 2 - Charterhouse: Crafting Connections (July 18, 2024)

The second day took place at the historic Charterhouse, providing a serene backdrop for an eco-craft workshop co-led by Fatima Reszczynski and Kopal Gotta. After a guided-tour from Jennie Rutte and Gianni Antoniazzi, participants engaged in basket weaving and creating willow decorations, connecting with traditional crafts and environmental awareness. Safa Aswaisi and Basma described the enriching experience of craft-making in such a historic setting and the emotional benefits of creative expression.

In the afternoon, participants visited the London Road Cemetery for a workshop co-led by Navkiran Kaur Mann, Jahnavi Sehgal, and Beebee Bassey. Activities included poetry about grief and joy, collaborative drawing, and a musical performance, encouraging deep reflection and creative expression.

Day 3 - Environmental Awareness and Creative Expression (July 19, 2024)

The morning workshop at Nauls Mill Underpark focused on environmental issues, including e-vaping and sustainability. Shaunak Samvatsar and Alice Motta co-led discussions and litter collection activities, highlighting the need for better recycling solutions and sustainable living practices.

The afternoon session at LTB Showrooms, co-leaders Wren James, Naomi Reid, and Frank Storm, explored community issues through art. Participants created 'zines' and discussed how art can address local needs and support grassroots initiatives. Wren’s manifesto proposed various community and environmental improvements, including increased green spaces and support for local organisations.

Day 4 - Art, Music, and Community (July 20, 2024)

Day 4 began with a session at Lakeview Park led by Alex Jones from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, focusing on vegetation management and invasive species. A midday walk from WATCH Charity Community Centre in Hillfields to Fargo Village included co-led musical performances (Jude Rees and Beebee Bassey), embroidery workshops (Elizabeth Connolly), and makeup artistry (Harkiran Bains), enhancing the day’s creative and community-focused activities.

The evening gathering in Earlsdon featured a culinary experience led by Safa Aswaisi, who prepared Libyan dishes and a group-facilitated Speaking Circle. This gathering allowed participants to connect through shared meals and personal stories, reflecting the day’s themes of community and creativity.

Day 5 - Creativity, Community, and Reflection (July 21, 2024)

The final day of the residency took place at Foleshill Creates, with workshops co-led by Emmanuelle Henry-Cottrel, Joshua Jehudah, and Elizabeth Molyneux. The session highlighted storytelling, positivity, and artistic expression, with activities including singing and painting personal interpretations of 'home.'

In the afternoon at Coventry War Memorial Park, participants engaged in drawing, painting, and creating art from natural materials co-led by Mariam Abdurahman and James Robinson. The day concluded with a sense of unity and reflection, celebrating the residency’s impact on building community connections and creative expression.

Impact and Benefits: Beyond the Canvas

The feedback received from this first EcoGPX® residency in Coventry has been remarkable. Participants experienced increased resilience and a heightened sense of community, contributing to their emotional well-being. The residency’s activities, such as litter collection and sustainability discussions, have spurred actionable change and increased awareness of environmental issues.

Intercultural exchange was a significant aspect of the residency, celebrating diverse traditions and encouraging mutual understanding among participants. Workshops provided valuable learning opportunities, boosting creativity and confidence. Collaborative workshops and shared activities strengthened local connections, while accessible art forms ensured broad participation and contribution.

EcoGPX® is also developing a new mobile app that will allow media from future Intercultural Roots’ residencies to be uploaded for the wider public to benefit from.

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement

EcoGPX® is set to expand its impact with plans for future residencies in Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth. To stay informed about upcoming open calls and opportunities to get involved, follow Intercultural Roots’ social media channels and visit their website.

Acknowledgements

We extend our deepest gratitude to Innovate UK for their generous support, which made the EcoGPX® project and first residency possible. Special thanks also to Artspace Coventry, Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, Coniston House, Fargo Village, Foleshill Creates, HillzFM Radio Station, Historic Coventry Trust, Imagineer Productions, London Road Cemetery, Lakeview Park, LTB Showroom, Nauls Mill Underpark, Sitting Rooms of Culture, The Weaver's House and Workshops, Voluntary Action Coventry, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and WATCH Hillfields for their invaluable contributions. We also appreciate the dedication of all the local co-creators, artists, and participants who made this residency a success.

The EcoGPX residency has been a transformative experience, showcasing the power of eco-arts to address community and environmental issues while celebrating local heritage and creativity. As co-participants reflect on the past days, we are all looking forward to continuing this journey and exploring new opportunities for creative and ecological engagement.

Residency Co-creators

Intercultural Roots for Public Health

UK Registered Charity Number 1179885

Read Intercultural Roots’ Annual Report 2022-23: Click Here

Media Contact:hello@interculturalroots.org

Innovate UK

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is creating a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. We provide targeted sectors with expertise, facilities and funding to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth. Join our network and communities of innovators to realise the potential of your ideas and accelerate business growth. Innovate UK inspiring business innovation.