Collective Roots
Tapping into community creativity to nurture a sense of cohesion amid rapid demographic change, uniting diverse and underrepresented groups in library spaces through creative conversations, workshops, and exhibitions.
The Local Challenge
The London borough of Sutton is transforming rapidly, bringing challenges for inclusion and community cohesion. With 43% of residents from diverse ethnic backgrounds – up from 29% in 2011, and 28% of local residents born outside the UK, Sutton is a vibrant mosaic of cultures. Over 80 languages are spoken, and 17% of households include non-English speakers. Recent arrivals from Hong Kong, Ukraine and Afghanistan are adding to this incredible diversity. Sutton Libraries, as community hubs, are launching a pilot programme to engage and bring together underrepresented groups, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cohesion.
The Initiative
Sutton Libraries are launching a vibrant initiative to explore how creativity can create a sense of community cohesion and boost well-being through a series of inclusive activities. Starting with ‘Creative Conversations’, two full-day sessions led by artists will invite local community groups to explore the central question: “How do we use creativity to create a sense of belonging?” Insights from these conversations have shaped artist-led workshops where community members are collaboratively creating works around ‘belonging’. The initiative is culminating in a summer exhibition in libraries and high street displays, inviting reflection on how these creations enhance community connections.
After The Europe Challenge
The initiative will now focus on further strengthening community ties and cultivating a sense of belonging, particularly for newcomers. Having evaluated the impact on well-being and pride in Sutton, they see they have transformed themselves into a dynamic cultural hub. They have benefited by learning from libraries across Europe about similar challenges such as improving digital skills and innovating on sustainability and environmental responsibilities. The librarians, senior management and community participants all realised that libraries are much more than just books, and collectively they can work towards all sorts of local agendas and issues.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
