ChangeMaker is a unique training experience that combines both coaching and art techniques to explore the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.
Guided by an executive coach and a Wheelworks artist, participants use creative techniques to deepen their understanding of biases, raise their awareness of differences in perception, and gain practical skills to apply in their own organisations.
ChangeMaker encourages self-reflection and open discussion of sensitive topics; it focuses on opening minds and looking beyond EDI policy and abstract theory towards the practical application of positive practices in the workplace, making it a more interactive and reflective learning experience.
By engaging in discussion on differences and similarities, biases and stereotyping, and the significance of the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010, course participants will be enabled to relate to, and work effectively with, people who may be different to them.
ChangeMaker goes beyond the standard training formats and is the first step towards increasing awareness, improving communications, and inspiring genuine behavioural change in the workplace.
Changemaker is available in four formats
what is changemaker?
A FREE 40-minute multimedia introduction to the world of ChangeMaker, delivered in person or online. Our team will take you on an interactive tour through the key CM concepts, looking at CM art and hearing from those who have come through the CM journey. To book contact business@wheelworksarts.com
changemaker essentials
Half-day course, facilitated by executive coach and Wheelworks artist. Learn about the nine protected characteristics of the Equality Act, take part in scenario discussions and create a unique piece of art to take home and keep. Includes limited access to the ChangeMaker Workplace Toolkit.*
changemaker complete
Full day exploration of all the CM key concepts and activities, designed with managers, team leaders, supervisors, and executives in mind, but accessible by anyone. Includes extended scenario discussions, extra group work, and more time to develop each individual art piece. Features a deeper dive into the legal, social, and business dimensions of EDI. Includes the full ChangeMaker Workplace Toolkit*.
ChangeMaker takes place bi-monthly at TechStudio at WheelWorks Arts. To bring ChangeMaker to your workplace or community, contact Stevie McGirr business@wheelworksarts.com
changemaker bespoke
For specific organisational needs (including post-CM consultation, or executive coaching), using the ChangeMaker Complete format and delivered in any workplace setting.
Contact business@wheelworksarts.com to find out more.
*changemaker workplace toolkit
Full suite of practical resources developed to help leaders implement CM recommendations in the workplace.
For nearly 30 years, we, at Wheelworks, have embedded inclusion, diversity, and equality into all the services we offer – all delivered by professional artists, coaches, and facilitators.
Our wide experience in cross- and inter-community work, and creative social inclusion work has enabled us to design this innovative training solution.
THE NORTHERN IRELAND POPULATION IS CHANGING IN SO MANY WAYS
IN 2001, THERE WERE 14,300 PEOPLE WITH ETHNIC MINORITY BACKGROUNDS LIVING IN NORTHERN IRELAND.
THIS INCREASED TO 32,400 IN 2011, AND INCREASED FURTHER TO 65,600 IN 2021.
OUR ETHNIC POPULATION HAS MORE THAN QUADRUPLED IN 20 YEARS.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AGED 65 OR MORE IN NORTHERN IRELAND HAS GROWN BY NEARLY 25%.
THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 300,000 PEOPLE IN NORTHERN IRELAND OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE.
ALMOST 18% OF OUR POPULATION IDENTIFIED AS HAVING 'NO RELIGION' IN THE 2021 CENSUS.
ALMOST 22,000 PEOPLE IN NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICIALLY IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES AS LESBIAN, GAY OR BISEXUAL IN THE 2021 CENSUS.
Testimonials
In 2022–23, the Northern Ireland Executive Office funded a yearlong ChangeMaker pilot programme over two local council areas. It involved 38 community and youth sector leaders, the majority of whom worked in areas facing multiple deprivation and sectarian tension. The feedback was phenomenal: all those who participated had positive experiences, and each was enabled to understand their own decision-making process and how that related to output, creativity, biases, and productivity. At one of the CM sessions, participants created a piece of artwork called ‘Bias’ and gifted this piece to Gareth Johnston, the Deputy Secretary of Good Relations and Inclusion at the Northern Ireland Executive. In a letter of thanks, Gareth wrote that he had placed Bias on his office wall, and commented that it was ‘a reminder for me, as I advise the incoming First and Deputy First Ministers on policy issues, that I need to be aware of my own biases, and seek to draw on a diverse range of perspectives.’
“The creativity element made us all the same, experiencing bias differently and expressing ourselves in new ways.” - Girl Guide officer
”The tutors were excellent. They made us feel we could be open and discuss issues, especially in the youth and community field.” - community worker
”I was proud and invigorated after the course. It renewed my love for my job.” - youth worker
”We have so much to do, but this course was excellent at addressing issues we often ignore. It should be available to all community, youth, and public-facing workers.” - local councillor”
“This course showed us that the community’s strong roots are its foundation; it should be rolled out across the board.” - local councillor
”Dedicated to the invisibles, who opened my eyes to what is now visible.” - community worker
”Things are changing so much, and this course helps us understand changes, respect choices – culture, identity, class. It made us look at ourselves before judging others.”
”It showed us that we are all biased in some way, even from a good place. We see how easy it is to offend with compliments as well as with derogatory comments.”
find out more
If you would like to find out more about ChangeMaker, or book a course for your staff, please contact:
Stevie McGirr
Business Development Officer
business@wheelworksarts.com
028 90244063