EcoGPX®'s Second Coventry Residency: Connecting Art, Nature, Community and Technology!

Coventry, UK - September 2024 – The EcoGPX® project's second residency was more than a gathering of artists and nature enthusiasts; it was a transformative event aimed at enhancing community well-being, creating unity, and promoting mental health through creative expression and environmental engagement. Hosted at Coventry Food Union and Fargo Village, this two-day residency brought together diverse individuals to explore the profound connections between art, nature, community and an innovative use of technology!

Day 1: Human-Nature Connection at Coventry Food Union:

The first day centred on the River Sherbourne and the Food Union community’s inspiring efforts in sustainable food growing and ecological awareness. It aimed to empower individuals by connecting them to nature and each other in meaningful ways. The day began with a warm introduction from Greg Muldoon of the Food Union, who shared the organisation’s mission to address food poverty and waste, highlighting their work at the Sherbourne Valley Allotments. Following this, participants were introduced to the EcoGPX® project, which aims to connect communities with their environments through a unique blend of art, inclusive practices and technology which included videoing key ‘moments’ throughout the day in anticipation of the new “PLACES by EcoGPX®” app currently being developed and tested.

Attendees participated in a range of activities, from Safa Aswaisi’s community barbecues to Fatima Reszczynki’s herb scavenger hunts, promoting a shared sense of purpose and familial connection. Workshops like willow wreath-making by Kopal Gupta and embroidery by Elizabeth Connolly encouraged creativity, mindfulness, and the use of natural materials, while Eco-Somatic Movements by Esther Abramson and Alex Boyd invited participants to engage with their surroundings more deeply. These activities not only provided moments of joy but also reinforced the community's capacity to work together towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

Day 2: Creative Expression & Reflection at Fargo Village:

Day two transformed Fargo Village into a sanctuary of artistic expression and reflection. Activities ranged from storytelling by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and vocal workshops by Jude Rees to music performances by Beebee Bassey, zine-making by Franklin Lavender, and podcasting by Alice Motta. Jude Rees led a vocal workshop, teaching participants the mediaeval song "Mirie it is while sumer ilast." This beautiful piece, one of the oldest in the English language, resonated with the audience as a timeless expression of longing for summer. Meanwhile, Franklin Lavender's zine-making workshop offered participants a quiet space to craft personal zines, allowing for peaceful reflection through art. Beebee Bassey’s soulful performances encouraged creative engagement and unity, while Alice Motta facilitated podcasting sessions that brought stories to life.

The highlight of the day was an impromptu collaboration where Beebee Bassey, Jude Rees, and Derek Headley from the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind joined together in song, moving the audience and showcasing the power of collective creativity. This event aimed to enhance the community's quality of life by providing a space for connection, reflection, and open self-expression. The vocal workshop led by Jude Rees and the spontaneous musical collaboration were powerful demonstrations of how art can break down barriers and build lasting connections.

Impact on Community, Well-being, and Social Capital

The EcoGPX residency made a significant social impact in Coventry by enhancing the community's quality of life and providing opportunities for social capital growth. Events like this can act as catalysts for improving local residents' self-image and contribute to a sense of pride in their community. By creating spaces where people can gather, interact, and celebrate their shared interests, EcoGPX helps strengthen social networks and create a deeper sense of unity.

Many participants left the residency feeling inspired and more connected to both their community and the natural world. This kind of engagement has the potential to lead to long-term behaviour changes, contributing to overall improvements in mental and physical health. The residency also provided an inclusive platform for skill-building and learning, enhancing the community's capacity to work collaboratively on future projects.

Community Engagement and Mental Health

Artistic expression and community connection play crucial roles in promoting mental health and well-being. Through EcoGPX, participants found a safe space to explore their creativity and connect with others, reducing feelings of isolation and creating a sense of belonging. The project highlighted the importance of community and green spaces, even within urban settings, where individuals can come together to engage in meaningful activities, contributing to a positive self-image and overall well-being.

Long-term engagement with initiatives like EcoGPX can result in increased participation in creative and environmental activities, leading to a range of positive outcomes, including improved mental health, enhanced social cohesion, and even financial savings through reduced healthcare costs and crime prevention.

Moving Forward

As the EcoGPX initiative continues to evolve, it aims to further build on the community connections and well-being outcomes established during the residency. By offering more opportunities for creative expression, environmental engagement, and soci–cultural interaction, the project seeks to inspire long-lasting change, where art, nature, and community can thrive together.

About EcoGPX®

EcoGPX® is a unique initiative that combines art, nature and technology to create positive social impact. Supported by Innovate UK, the project engages communities in place-based art and ecological practices, providing a platform for creativity and environmental awareness. The newly developed "PLACES by EcoGPX®" app allows participants to document and share their experiences, extending the project's reach and creating a new and positive social media platform that is non-data extractive.

For more information about EcoGPX and to explore the PLACES app, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Acknowledgments:

This second residency has been made possible by our partners, including Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Food Union Coventry, FarGo Village, The Pod Cafe, Coventry resting spaces, Grapevine, Voluntary Action Coventry, and the Historic Coventry Trust, alongside our key EcoGPX® funder, Innovate UK. We are deeply thankful for your continued support.

Intercultural Roots for Public Health:

Intercultural Roots brings together practitioners, artists, scholars, and teachers to collaboratively create and develop practices for health and social change. Through initiatives like EcoGPX®, the organisation cultivates an environment for artistic practices to thrive and bring positive change to the world.

UK Registered Charity Number 1179885

View our organisational Policies & Procedures

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

Boal Forum Theatre Year 1 Evaluation & Impacts Click Here

Contact: hello@interculturalroots.org