A series of art and wellbeing workshops were delivered via Zoom during lockdowns in 2020/2021 across multiple Family Resource Centres in Co. Carlow. Project Initiated by Amber Women’s Refuge and funded by Creative Ireland.
Participants
The Symbollage Workshop series was offered to women in the local communities through Family Resource Centres in Bagenalstown and Tullow, Co. Carlow, in partnership with Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny.
Aims
The primary aim of the Symbollage Workshops was to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide information on healthy relationships. Additionally, the workshops aimed to offer participants a creative outlet to explore their experiences and learn how to use art to enhance their wellbeing. By engaging in Symbollage sessions, participants had the opportunity to build a sense of community and support among each other.
Methods
The workshops utilised Dominika’s Symbollage method, a form of collage that integrates symbolic elements to convey deeper meanings and personal narratives. The methodology for these workshops included:
- Introduction and Awareness: Each session began with a discussion on topics related to personal growth.
- Creative Expression: Participants were guided through the process of creating Symbollage pieces. They selected various materials, symbols, and colours that resonated with their experiences and emotions. This hands-on approach allowed for individual creativity and self-expression.
- Quiet Reflection and Sharing: At the end of each workshop, participants were encouraged to privately reflect on the process. Before the end of each session, a representative from Amber Women’s Refuge was gently introduced to the community to explain signs of healthy relationships, domestic violence, and the support available through the organisation. Participants were encouraged to save contact details in case anyone in their community needed help.
Artistic Outputs
The artistic outputs of the Symbollage Workshops included individual collage pieces created by each participant. These pieces were deeply personal and varied, reflecting the unique journeys and experiences of the women involved.
Evaluation Methodology
The evaluation of the workshops was conducted through ongoing dialogue and feedback from participants, the artist (Dominika), and the staff at Amber Women’s Refuge. This included:
- Participant Feedback: Regular check-ins and anonymous online feedback forms were held to gauge the participants’ experiences and gather their thoughts on the workshops.
- Staff Observations: Staff from Amber Women’s Refuge provided insights and observations on the impact of the workshops on the participants.
- Reflective Practice: Dominika engaged in reflective practice, noting her observations and experiences throughout the workshop series.
Evaluation Outcomes
The Symbollage Workshops had a profound impact on the participants, as evidenced by the positive feedback and testimonials. Participants reported a sense of empowerment and increased awareness about domestic violence and healthy relationships. The creative process allowed them to express their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
A testimonial from Amber Women’s Refuge highlights the success of the workshops:
"Dominika worked alongside Amber Women’s Refuge to offer Symbollage Workshop sessions to women in the local community. The aim of the group was to raise awareness of Domestic Violence and supports on offer including information on Healthy Relationships, all whilst offering the participants the opportunity to create their own Symbollage pieces. Dominika’s creativity, passion, and ability to engage with people around sensitive issues was exceptional and she portrayed a strong ability to support others to explore their creative side all whilst building great relationships. Dominika was a pleasure to work with. I am thrilled that we got the opportunity to work together."
Documantation
The outcomes of the Symbollage Workshops were documented through:
- Reflective Notes: Descriptive and reflective notes were kept by Dominika and the staff at Amber Women’s Refuge
- Visual Documentation: Photographs of the online workshops and some of the Symbollage pieces created by participants.