Past Projects

For the third consecutive year, we have had the privilege to partner with the remarkable Katy Lockey and the Folkestone Women's Forum Team. In 2019, Katy offered us with the incredible opportunity to transform our initial ideas - dreamt up while looking after our own young children and babies - into a substantial project providing a healing and creative space for mothers with newborns as part of the longer running festival programme. This marked the beginning of On Solid Ground. We have been proud to continue our collaboration over the last two festivals, offering one-off workshops for women to explore themes of identity and motherhood through creative expression.  ​Since our pilot, we have actively listened to our participants, gathered feedback, developed our individual practice, and fine-tuned our Mother Nurture course, opening it up to all mothers. This has enabled us to secure funding from the National Lottery Community Lottery fund for two consecutive years and establish our course as a standalone offering that runs year-round.

Expanding our Mother Nurture programme, we have developed standalone workshops for mothers to engage in two hours of art-making, relaxation, and movement. These workshops focus on tuning in and expressing thoughts and emotions through art, movement, and reflection. Last year, we had the amazing opportunity to offer one of our workshops in the stunning Beech Court Gardens in Challock, which are only open for a short period in the summer. Practicing mindful creative activities in these peaceful surroundings, enjoying the delicious cafe, and strolling through gardens full of flowers made for an all-around wonderful and replenishing experience.

We conducted a one-off introductory workshop for Key Stage 3 pupils at The John Wallis Church of England Secondary Academy in Ashford, Kent. The workshop involved bodymapping, reflective writing, and mark making to music, allowing students to express their thoughts and emotions creatively.

In 2023, we ran our Inside Out pilot course with a class of Year 5 pupils. The project focuses on pupils' ability to become aware of and express thoughts and emotions in healthy and creative ways. Through art-making, movement, reflection, and discussion we aim to release tension, encourage free experimention and exploration, and help students learn to pay attention to themselves and others. Alongside the full course, we also offered taster sessions for Year 4 and Year 6 students.

As part of the outdoor arts Beacon project, On Solid Ground designed and delivered a series of creative workshops for mothers with babies, school-aged children, members of Touchbase Care Folkestone, and young people from the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN). Developed by artist Alison Neighbour, the project celebrated interpersonal connections and our connection to the land and to the sea.

A one-off workshop for mothers, providing the opportunity to use a variety of art materials with guided themes and subjects. This allowed women time and space to focus on themselves, share experiences, and reflect on the journeys. The activities were chosen to empower women by helping them regain control, build understanding and resilience, define their roles, and promote a positive self-image. Gentle movement exercises were included to improve strength, balance and coordination, release muscular tension, and foster a healthy mother-baby bond through positive interaction. The workshop focused on building relationships with oneself and each other, and allowed time for a chat and a cup of tea following the session.