Join for advice and tips on writing and creativity, and stay for reflections of life as an artist. You'll receive succinct weekly emails on the craft of writing and beyond, and exclusive creative updates on my own projects as well as arts opportunities.
Can art change the world?
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A few weeks ago, I discussed how our voices can be used to create real world change, and I echo that sentiment in today's broadcast. More potently around the idea of social justice being enacted through creative expression. We all have gifts, and sharing them with the world can have a genuine impact on others. My gift lies in writing and creativity, and I try to use it to the best of my ability, to bring awareness to different issues, that many people may overlook. For creative people, using our abilities, not just as personal expression, but as a means to connect with other people, makes us voices for the voiceless. Last night, I was at an event that showed me the power of community, and particularly the power of creative expression to platform marginalised voices. When we are able to articulate that which is left unsaid, we invite people to understand themselves deeper. To see that the abstract emotions they experience can in fact be understood, managed, and are shared. And so I feel it is our duty, , as people who have the gift to express, to use that power to allow others to express. This process is what creates the real world impact I mentioned at the top of this email, because a single voice can only reach so far on its own, but if it inspires other voices, then they can carry it further than anyone could ever have imagined. Creative UpdatePoetry For Justice edges ever closer with the event taking place this Saturday the 4th July. It would be great to see you there if time permits! We have a stellar lineup of community poets, a feature poet, and a brilliant headliner, as well as a context segment and free food! Ticket sales will be donated to charity and are available at the end of this email. I have memorised the set I hope to perform on the night, and I am ready, at least as much as I can be, for the event. It will serve as a culmination of a lot of hard work over many months, and has been my main creative focus for a while. Upcoming OpportuntiesOpen Call for Mural Submissions for Poetry For Justice (with an extended deadline from 30th June to 2nd July). The mural will form part of a collection of poems in the form of creative designs displayed at Poetry For Justice based on themes of justice, faith, resilience, and freedom. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: 2ND JUNE @ 00:00
The Collective Studio: 26-27 Open Call! 'The Collective Studio is a development programme for early-career artists and/or recent graduates, and is open to creative practitioners in any discipline. The Collective Studio provides care, support, guidance and space to test out ideas within a nurturing and critically engaged community at The NewBridge Project. The Collective Studio provides affordable studios and workspace, and a free programme of training, events, mentoring, socials and opportunities to exhibit work tailored to each cohort and open to a very diverse range of practices[.]' DEADLINE TO APPLY: 24TH JULY @ 17:00
Catch Me NextTickets live now: Warm regards, Bilal Psyche Akram |
The Writer's Psyche
Join for advice and tips on writing and creativity, and stay for reflections of life as an artist. You'll receive succinct weekly emails on the craft of writing and beyond, and exclusive creative updates on my own projects as well as arts opportunities.
Push past your limits, shrug them off, and keep going. This past weekend, I climbed Scafell Pike, England's tallest mountain, and the entire escapade was gruelling, more so than anyone on our team could've imagined. The experience reinforced an idea, that we must push past our limits, and then some, once in a while. Otherwise, we become comfortable, and our growth becomes stagnant. At several occassions on my climb, I felt defeated and beaten, yet I still continued one step at a time, up...
I found the opening scene of one my stories on a hike in the woods. I'd been struggling to find a way in to the novel... I needed something tangible, intimate, and symbolic, while also being mundane and believable, and as I wandered in nature, inhabiting the mindset of my characters, an idea drifted into my consciousness, and planted itself firmly. I may never have received the idea if not for the adventure, and this is why exploring the world can be such an invaluable source of power. When...
Never let your creative dreams die. They may lay dormant, or enjoy a snug period of slumber, but to eliminate them all together, is a mistake... Why so dramatic? you may be asking. Because creativity is one of our last remaining forms of freedom which we have full control over, once we realise its power. If we relinquish it, we lose a part of ourselves along the way. Art is often seen as a childhood memory to most, something they practiced at school as a carefree child, and slowly stopped due...