Wonder Women – Creative workshops for women at Millfield Community Centre

Over the last six months Metal has been working with artist Sa’adiah Khan to deliver a series of creative consultation workshops as part of Wonder Women, a project developed by Peterborough Women’s Forum, founded by PVCS (Peterborough City Voluntary Service).

Members from the forum felt that there were no specific activities supporting them in the city and raised the need and want for a women’s space in Peterborough.

Along with partners (Living Sport, PECT, Arts & Minds, The Green Backyard, Open Door Trust (CAP) and Primary Care Networks (Thistlemoor and Octagon) workshops were held to find out what women want and what a women’s space or programme might look like.

Since July 2021, Metal and artist Sa’adiah Khan have been hosting conversations alongside creative activities with women in Paston and Gladstone, introducing them to a range of materials, artforms and working collaboratively. The aim of the workshops has been to support women to overcome the ongoing effects of the covid period, build confidence to go out, meet with others and grow-selfesteem, while sharing stories through the act of making.

Sa’adiah is keen to hear from other women in Peterborough. What activities would you like to do? What would you like to access in the city but currently are unable to?

These workshops are about creating without pressure, having a chat, to make new friends, skill share and learn from one another. The workshops have shown there is the need for a consistent group of women to come together and the impact of creating these spaces, providing supportive networks and allowing discussions to be had is important.

“These sessions have given me the opportunity to have open and safe conversations with other women, while being creative and making,” she said. Metal is now launching the final series of Wonder Women workshops at the Millfield Community Centre this month and throughout February. Sa’adiah will run five creative workshops, where participants will be introduced to a range of materials and artforms such as learning how to make string art, ombre painting, doodling / mandala work, block printing and collage. All while chatting and getting to know one another.

The first session will be an informal meet and greet with an introductory creative workshop. An opportunity to meet the artist and other women, share conversation and help to decide the structure of the following workshops while experimenting with various forms of making.

Sessions are January 20 and 27 plus February 3, 10 and 24. from 12.30 - 2.30pm at Milfield Community Centre. It is free to book - email Sarah@metalculture.com