Reflecting on Our One-Week Making Workshops for Young People

Last week, Makerversity hosted an incredible one-week creative workshop for young people aged 18-30, thanks to the generous support of Westminster City Council. This immersive event was all about diving into the world of design and making, while fostering community connections and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Here’s a day-by-day recap of what unfolded:

Day 1: Challenging Traditional Structures with Shanti Bell

On Monday, Shanti Bell kick-started the week by challenging participants to rethink the boundaries of conventional design. Using only cardboard, attendees were tasked with creating chairs from scratch. This hands-on session encouraged participants to experiment with 3D techniques and push the limits of what materials can do. One participant said, “I loved learning new skills,” perfectly capturing the spirit of discovery that filled the workshop.

Day 2: Human-Centric Design with Antoinette Yetunde Oni

Tuesday's focus was on urban design and climate resilience, led by Antoinette Yetunde Oni of AGREKA BUILD. Participants explored the principles of human-centric design while experimenting with bio-staining and decorating with sustainable straw. This session showcased how design can merge aesthetics and sustainability to address real-world issues.

Day 3: Finding Beauty in Craft with Rickie Cheuk

Midweek, Rickie Cheuk guided attendees through the intricate art of glass kiln casting. This session was all about finding beauty in the process of making and respecting the materials at hand. Rickie emphasized the value of self-expression in craft, inspiring participants to see their work as a reflection of themselves. The response was powerful, with one participant sharing, “I certainly gained the confidence to tap into my creative side and to put myself into more artistic spaces because I really enjoyed the energy there.”

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Day 4: Storytelling Through Identity with Studio Grace Pappas

Thursday was dedicated to storytelling and personal expression, led by Studio Grace Pappas. Participants learned lino cutting techniques and were encouraged to use them to craft pieces that told their unique stories. This session emphasized how identity and narrative can intertwine seamlessly in design, empowering attendees to translate their experiences into tangible art.

Day 5: Capturing the Future and Next Steps

The final day brought everything together with an open session in our Photography Studio, complete with professional headshots for attendees who wanted them. It was also a day of inspiration, with presentations from two of our dynamic members, Liz Lee of Carbon Cell and Fergus Telfer Amphico. Participants gained insights into managing finances and explored future opportunities, including Makerversity’s Under 30s residency. This day served as a bridge, connecting the workshop experience with long-term pathways into the creative industry.

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A Heartfelt Thank You A huge thank you to all the members who led these sessions and the participants whose enthusiasm and creativity brought the workshop to life. To Catherine Morton-Abuah for assisting every day. The week was not just about learning new techniques but about building confidence, forming connections and sparking a passion for design.

Stay tuned for more opportunities and workshops at Makerversity – we’re excited to continue nurturing talent and fostering a space where ideas and creativity thrive.

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