Drawing On Wisdom
About the project
Drawing On Wisdom is an intergenerational community storytelling project that brings together the older and young members of the community to share, listen, learn and create, and to contemplate their shared experiences of childhood challenges.
The Book
Phase two (Apr - June 2021)
Older members of the Medway and Swale community were invited to submit written recollections of childhood memories of challenges that they faced and any wisdom they would like to impart to younger generations facing the effects of uncertainty that Covid-19 is having on their lives. These stories were then used in online workshops with local participants who listened, discussed and noted down their reactions to the stories. They then created images to illustrate the stories, focusing on the parts of the story that most stood out to them - whether a visual detail or a particular emotion the storyteller was feeling.
The final product was an illustrated book, comprising the older participants text with the younger participants illustrations. Copies were given to participants, but also to local libraries and cafes, as well as available online. The book includes a QR code in the back where readers can submit their personal responses to the stories. Every time a response is received these will be relayed to the original storyteller, who will know that people are reading and connecting with their story.
Where you can find copies of the book:
Phase Two of Drawing On Wisdom was commissioned by Ideas Test as part of the You Me Us - an exciting new project supporting local people in Medway and Swale to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation through creativity. Special thanks to Andy Millest and Jenwood Printers.
The Films
Phase One (Aug - Nov 2020)
In filmed interviews, three older participants shared stories of their childhoods and the challenges they faced. These stories were then distributed to children, to watch, listen and have the chance to discuss their reactions. As an exercise in empathy, they then created images that illustrated the stories they’d heard. Each child focused on the part of the story that most stood out to them, whether that be a visual detail or a particular emotion.
These interviews and illustrations have then been edited together to create three final films.
These films were selected to feature in the Turner Contemporary’s Open 2021 exhibition.
‘An intergenerational project and a good example of how storytelling can cross any age gap. Continuing research shows that sharing a connection can fight isolation, improve social skills and strengthen mental resilience across the generations. This compilation of three stories, delightfully interlaced with drawings by children, is a great insight to wisdom and a new memory being made in the finished artwork. ‘
- Curator Angeline Morley
