ChangeMaking - an exhibition!

On 23rd February 2023 Wheelworks presented the 'ChangeMaker Exhibition’ in the Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown, to highlight and celebrate creative work from programme participants in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area.

 The ChangeMaker programme encourages participants to challenge their unconscious bias by using the techniques of mentoring, coaching and art. It engages with cultural intelligence and the changing demographics and identities of Northern Ireland’s dynamic society.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Craigavon and Banbridge, Paul Greenfield, and Wheelwork’s own CEO Farah Chowdhury, gave short speeches at the event. It was attended by many representatives from across the community including many of the participants. Wheelworks appreciated the support we received from local elected representatives including Diane Dodds MLA, Councillor Kyle Moutray, Councillor Eóin Tennyson and Councillor Peter Lavery who were also in attendance.

Feedback from those who participated was incredibly positive. Kyle Savage, a participant on the programme and a UUP representative on the Council commented, that where you ‘feed the roots, the grass will grow - we are the grassroots in this area!’

Many noted the contribution of the ChangeMaker programme to improving cross community relations. Gareth Johnston, Deputy Secretary of Good Relations and Inclusion, NI Executive Office, said, ‘there's a responsibility to us all to address issues of sectarianism, racism and all that negatively effects our society and I’m delighted to see the impact that Changemaker has had on addressing unconscious bias.’

The Wheelworks Team, Sonali Banerjee Mondol, Lesley Cherry and Paul Tracey, were deeply impressed with the vast range of creative work the programme generated.