A special chance to go behind the scenes of the Minories creative programme and learn about a variety of our special projects. We know that these projects aren't as visible as our other events, so we want to give our visitors a chance to learn more directly from the people who are working on them. Project organisers will give a short presentation each, which will be followed by a short break, then a Q&A with Director Emma Howe, as well as questions from the audience.
There will be drinks available to purchase from the bar.

About the projects:

Art of the Roadz

AOR is a series of events where emerging young urban music performers are platformed alongside established stars, so far including Big Narstie, Devlin and M dot R.Community Organisers Aaron and Owen approached us in 2024 as they were concerned about the lack of safe spaces for young people, especially in the community around them (living on an estate in Colchester). We have recently received funding for this project from the Tudwick Foundation, Grassroots Charity, Colchester City Council and Essex County Council, which will enable us to run free DJ skill and rap lyric writing workshops for young people.

Castle Hearts School of Art and Wellbeing

Castle Hearts is an alternative education space unlike any other, a vibrant community where art and well-being flourish. Coordinated by professional artist Tristan Howe, and delivered by a range of local artists and wellbeing practitioners, Castle Hearts is a place for people with differential learning needs to find a sanctuary to thrive at their own pace, empowered by collaboration, kindness, and the transformative power of art. Castle hearts regularly has over 10 attendees, many of whom attend with family members and/or 1-to-1 carers.

Boys and Men

Boys and Men CIC is a local black-led organisation which works with global majority boys and men, predominantly refugees and asylum seekers, and provide them with a programme of activity to help them to assimilate into British Society. They hold two of their weekly sessions at the Minories, focussing on computer skills and art. Since starting this partnership we have successfully applied together for a joint grant from Essex Community Foundation to sustain future work.