Art of Connection - Supporting Information

1. The Artistic Approach

Art of Connection is an evolution of several participatory arts and photography approaches that we have been piloting with intergen projects - bringing older adults and children together to be creatively alongside each other. For many of these projects we only had a short time with the participants and weren’t able to fully explore the opportunities that intergenerational creativity presented - this has informed our R&D proposal.

Feedback from Message In A Bottle

“I enjoyed sharing and listening to peoples’ ideas. I also enjoyed learning about people’s lives. I really enjoyed this, Thank You.” School Student

2. Artist & Creative Team

Chris Chinnock (Lead Artist)

I am a Socially Engaged Photographer - Specialising in Photovoice. I help people visualise the important stuff & tell their own story through photographs. With over 20 years’ experience in Community Development & Creative Community Engagement. I’ve worked nationally and internationally as a trainer & facilitator specialising in Asset Based Community Development.

Alongside my Community Development career I’ve also worked as a Professional Photographer for 10 years - shooting events, portraits & commercial projects. I combined my passion for Community and Photography together in 2021 when I set up Our Creative Connection a Social Enterprise that uses Photography for social change.

This includes participatory photography projects such as ‘Photovoice’ where I support people to create images that illustrate the narrative of their life, show the world from their point of view and reflect upon themes such as health, wellbeing, safety, identity & inclusion. Creativity reduces loneliness, supports mental health, wellbeing and helps to grow and strengthen connections between people - oh and it’s fun too!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chinnock

https://www.chrischinnockphotography.com

Jo McFarlane (Lead Artist)

I am a Visual Artist/Illustrator with over 15 years of experience of working creatively within the Community and Theatre settings. I Love working creatively and imaginatively with individuals and groups to bring ideas to life. I have worked within an wide variety of community settings including carnival and creative workshops. My passion is to support and encourage individuals to share their stories using the creative arts as a means to express those individual experiences.

I have a First class BA Degree in Theatre Design from Leeds University, and found the communication of ideas through pictures and storyboards was a particular strength. In 2019 I completed my illustration of the Alphabet which was a personal project, and in 2021, I completed my first commissioned book illustration.  I am currently extending my study of Illustration by undertaking a Diploma in Illustration at London Art College.

Michelle Scally Clarke (Artist)

Michelle Scally Clarke is a versatile author, poet, playwright, actor, and songwriter. She also facilitates creative writing to promote wellbeing. With over 26 years of experience, Michelle has published two biographies and collaborated with notable figures like Linton Kwesi Johnson and Simon Armitage. Her work, which includes the books and albums "I Am" and "She Is," reflects her diverse background and aims to bridge communities through creative expression. Based in West Yorkshire, Michelle uses writing, drama, and art to connect with different audiences and promote wellbeing.

https://www.michellescallyclarke.uk

3. Examples of our previous work

Our Creative Connection is a Social Enterprise based in West Yorkshire that specialises in socially engaged arts. Since 2021 we’ve worked with thousands of people across the north of England, using participatory photography, film, collage, poetry and creative workshops to explore the things that matter most to them.

We specialise in working with children, older adults, people with learning disabilities, neurodiverse communities, and diverse neighbourhoods facing isolation or inequality.

Project CREATE - Photovoice project supporting arts based research https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/arts-based-research-leeds-uni

Participatory Film making - exploring the impact of creative arts on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/filmmaking-with-project-create

Socially Engaged Videography - connecting and amplifying the voices of people, projects and communities. https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/socially-engaged-video

Our Library, Our Community - Photowalks about the changes happening in Huddersfield https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/our-library-our-community

Message In A Bottle - Intergenerational project using photography, poetry, and collage. https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/message-in-a-bottle-lowerhouses

Humans of Harrogate - Socially Engaged Portraits celebrating people involved with Harrogate Skills 4 Living https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/humans-of-harrogate-skills-for-living

Designer Labels - Using Clothing as a Canvas for Change. https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/designer-labels-project

Amplifying Youth Voice - Photovoice project with Northorpe Hall https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/amplifying-youth-voice-northorpe-hall

What does a good life look like? - Photovoice project with young people at Kirklees College https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/photovoice-exhibition-dewsbury

Sensory Stories - planted based printmaking https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/sensory-stories-youthers

We Are Here - Socially engaged photography project https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/portrait-of-a-community

4. Blogs, Social Media & Video Podcasts

Our Creative Connection already uses digital storytelling as a key part of our practice. Our Existing Digital Reach means that we enter this project with a strong and growing digital audience.

Exploring Community Strengths through the lens of Participatory Photography https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/exploring-community-strengths-through-the-lens-of-participatory-photography-in-conversation-with-cormac-russell

Exploring the role of Art in Health & Wellbeing https://www.ourcreativeconnection.org/blog/dr-tasha-golden-art-health

 5. Key Partners

Creative Health Hub (University of Huddersfield) A regional hub bringing together researchers, health professionals and creatives to advance the field of creative health. They will act as independent evaluators, advising on methodology and helping ensure the project generates rigorous and useful learning for the sector.

Huddersfield Literature Festival Hosting a public exhibition, supporting audience engagement, and providing a platform for the project’s poetic and narrative elements within a major cultural event.

“Huddersfield Literature Festival is delighted to be partnering with creative producers Jo McFarlane and Chris Chinnock at our 2025 Festival to promote and provide space to showcase their intergenerational project Message in a Bottle. We would be very happy to work with them again and to offer an exhibition and performance space as part of our 20th anniversary Festival in May 2026.” Michelle Hodgson, Festival Director, Huddersfield Literature Festival

Kirklees Libraries Hosting a public exhibition, providing accessible, trusted community space for wider audience engagement.

“Kirklees Libraries are excited to welcome Our Creative Connection into Huddersfield library to exhibit the outputs of their project when the new library opens next year. Our Creative Connection use Participatory Photography to gather voices, enabling communities to tell their own unique stories, which aligns with Kirklees Libraries aims around community led projects and community storytelling.” Becky Long Assistant Area Manager, Kirklees Libraries

TSL Kirklees connecting volunteers and community groups, ensuring the work is embedded in local networks

Bee Connected Key grassroots partner connecting older adults, ensuring the work reaches people who stand to benefit most.

Schools in Ashbrow, Dalton, Greenhead & Newsome Four partner primary schools - collaborating on timetabling, pupil participation, family engagement and safe creative learning environments.

“I can confirm that our school, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary Academy, in Huddersfield, is going to be involved in the Message in a Bottle collaboration with Our Creative Connection. This project will bring together the children and older adults in our local community. They will have the opportunity to connect and explore within the groups collaborative task. Our Mini Vinnies, aged 7-11, will be taking part in the intergenerational project, which will allow them to fulfil one of their ‘Mini Vinnie’ pledges of ‘caring for others in my community by being a friend to those who are alone, in need, or in trouble’ We are very much looking forward to working in partnership again and are looking forward to hearing more about this exciting upcoming project” Amelia Parker: Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School.

“Art of Connection is a valuable project for our school. As you know we are a very diverse community with children from all over the world. For many of our families they have left behind relatives and friends but also had to adapt to a totally new culture, language and lifestyle. This project would bring together families and inter-generations , enabling them to connect and build positive relationships that would help them to create a sense of belonging here in Birkby.” Hannah Michelle, Birkby Junior School

“At Newsome Junior Academy, we are proud to be an inclusive school, welcoming families from across the Huddersfield area. In today’s digital age, children often rely heavily on electronic devices, and the valuable skill of face-to-face conversation can sometimes be overlooked. Intergenerational Projects provide a meaningful opportunity for pupils to step outside their comfort zones and engage with people from different backgrounds, experiences, and generations. These interactions not only build confidence and communication skills but also broaden our children’s understanding of the world around them.

We believe that every new experience helps shape well-rounded, empathetic individuals, and we are committed to providing as many of these opportunities as possible for our pupils” Kristie Humphries Newsome Community Primary

“Moldgreen Community Primary provides a caring, inclusive school community where families are welcomed and supported. Moldgreen is fully involved in the Dalton Together Partnership and Unite, Respect, Connect working closely with local groups to support families including delivering food parcels and referrals to local services. Staff and leadership, including the headteacher, actively engage in partnership meetings

Our challenges include: high levels of socio-economic need: The school serves many pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds—above national average in eligibility for free school meals, with approximately 30% of children speaking English as an additional language (EAL), and around 15% identified as having special educational needs (SEN), including those with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs).

Children gain invaluable social and emotional development by building relationships with older generations. They learn empathy, respect, patience, and communication skills through authentic, meaningful interactions. For the school, it enriches the curriculum with real-life learning opportunities, particularly in areas such as PSHE, history, and English.

It fosters a stronger sense of community, aligning with values of inclusion, diversity, and respect. Projects like these can improve pupils' self-esteem and confidence, especially for those who may struggle socially or emotionally. Schools benefit from enhanced community partnerships, which support their reputation and widen the support network for pupils and staff alike.” Bonita Johnson, Teacher, Moldgreen Community Primary

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Match Funder) Supporting the project through the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund, reinforcing strategic links between creativity, safety, and community wellbeing.

“We are happy to say that your project was successful in GR7 of the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund and we are pleased to fund your project as it supported the delivery of the Mayors Police & Crime plan and supports a Safe, Just, Inclusive West Yorkshire”. Paige Cowling, Engagement Officer, West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership Advising on health-sector relevance and contributing connections across health and wellbeing networks in Kirklees.

“We are really pleased to support Art of Connection - it’s such a timely and meaningful project. Creating space for children and older adults to connect through creativity not only nurtures individual wellbeing but also strengthens the fabric of our communities. By encouraging self-expression, active listening, and shared storytelling, the project supports emotional resilience and a deeper sense of belonging. We are especially excited about the potential for the exhibition and workshop at the National Health Innovation Campus to spark wider conversations around creative health, inclusion, and the role of the arts in community development.” Liz Towns-Andrews (NHIC Regional & Business Lead) & Nikki Hill (Health Innovation Programme Manager), University of Huddersfield, Health Innovation Partnership

Dr. Steven Michael - facilitating CPD workshops and supporting with sharing across Health networks in West Yorkshire

“I’ve been an admirer of Our Creative Connection’s work for some time now. Chris Chinnock’s  approach to working with local communities and potentially marginalised groups is entrepreneurial, impactful and important. Through the medium of photography he has been able to reach out and connect with people in a way which brings a genuine sense of achievement and hope for the future.” Dr.. Steven Michael, OBE Independent Chair, Creative Wakefield.

Creative Minds A charity hosted by South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust. Supporting CPD delivery and connecting the project to NHS creative health networks across Yorkshire.

“We look forward to working with Our Creative Connections by hosting workshops at our Folly Hall Mill and Fieldhead hospital sites in 2026.” Alex Feather, Creative Minds Development Manager, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Andrew Sanderson (Mentor) Internationally recognised photographer and Ilford Master Printer. Providing specialist mentorship for Chris Chinnock in large-format portraiture and analogue darkroom processes.

Helen Biles (Mentor) Illustrator and creative mentor supporting Jo McFarlane’s development of participatory illustration and collage methods used within the project.

United Communities A national charity supporting school-linked community hubs across England, looking to partner with us to develop future AoC projects beyond the life of this Arts Council R&D to extend the model beyond the funding.

 6. Evidence of Need

Children (7–9) from Birkby / Greenhead Ward

Birkby is one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Kirklees, with 68.8% of households deprived in at least one dimension (Source: iLiveHere statistics for Birkby, Kirklees). These children grow up in an area experiencing significant challenges linked to income, education, health, and housing. Schools report increasing pressure on pupil wellbeing and belonging, particularly among families facing financial hardship or recent migration.

Older Adults (55+) from Ashbrow, Dalton, Greenhead and Newsome

These wards all experience entrenched deprivation:

• Multiple LSOAs in Ashbrow and Dalton rank within the top 10–20% most deprived nationally (Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation).

• Greenhead has the highest proportion of foreign-born residents in Huddersfield (26.72%), contributing to both cultural richness and increased pressures around cohesion.

• Dalton has the highest levels of loneliness in Huddersfield, with 13.7% of residents reporting they feel lonely all or most of the time, compared with the Kirklees average of 7.2%.

Health inequality is also significant. Ashbrow, Dalton and Greenhead all rank among the most deprived areas for health outcomes (Source: PubMed Central).

Loneliness & Social Isolation (National Evidence)

The communities we are working with reflect broader national trends:

• Severe loneliness affects 2–16% of adults aged 65+ (Source: PubMed Central).

• 32% of adults aged 55+ feel lonely at any given time.

• Over 2 million people aged 75+ live alone, and more than one million go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member (Source: NHS).

• Loneliness is linked with increased morbidity, mortality and declining wellbeing (Source: BMC Public Health).

Age UK warns that by 2026, there may be 2 million people over 50 who often feel lonely, unless action is taken (Source: Age UK, Loneliness Report, Caroline Abrahams). Age UK notes that people who cannot “have meaningful conversations and interactions” require more than social contact. They need personalised support and neighbourhoods that encourage participation. That is exactly what this project is designed to offer.

 7. Visualising ‘Art of Connection’

Concept drawing by Jo Mcfarlane showing our vision for the ‘pop up’ exhibition display.