These craft sessions are designed for refugees, sanctuary and asylum seekers and will run almost every Thursday, 10:00am – 2:00pm at Derby Theatre. Free refreshments will be provided. There will be a new topic every 2 sessions, you can see an outline for August and September below.
To book your space email dtcommunities@derby.ac.uk or text 07221 833761
Straws and sound (24th September 2026)
For many refugees, rebuilding life in a new place means taking what has been discarded or disrupted and shaping it into something whole. Straws & Sound is a hands-on creative workshop that mirrors this lived journey of resilience, transformation, and artistic renewal.
Using pages salvaged from old magazines, participants will be guided on how to roll and structuralist discarded paper into durable paper straws. These papers will be arranged and layered on a ground, these textured paper straws come together to form striking two-dimensional guitar artworks.
The process is deeply symbolic as it involves taking scattered, forgotten materials and giving them structure, colour, and a new story. Beyond the physical art, the workshop offers a therapeutic, grounding space to quiet the mind and express emotion. The activity helps to honour the resourcefulness of refugee and celebrates the ongoing human drive to help find harmony out of chaos.
The Radiant self (29th October 2026)
The sunflower is a timeless symbol of warmth, endurance, and turning toward the light no matter where seed takes root. The Radiant Self is a hands-on paper collage workshop designed for refugee communities, using art to explore identity, personal strength, and emotional renewal.
Using pages salvaged from discarded paper and enriched with vibrant pigments, participants will be taught how to layer, cut and torn pieces to construct striking sunflower collages. Every element of the flower carries personal meaning: the deep, grounded roots honour their origins and resilience; the sturdy stem represents the journey endured; and each vivid petal reflects a unique piece of who we are today, our individual stories, hopes, and inner light.
By turning forgotten, upcycled materials into a flower that naturally seeks the sun, the workshop will provide a therapeutic, restorative space to process emotions, honour individual journeys, and celebrate the beautiful, enduring growth that follows new beginnings.
About the Creatives
About Armstrong
Armstrong is an international visual artist specializing in paper collage and eco-friendly art. With extensive experience leading community workshops across both the UK and Nigeria, Armstrong uses sustainable and everyday materials to create inspiring, accessible art.
His workshops are designed to be safe, relaxing, and welcoming spaces where you can take a break, learn new creative skills, and express your own story. No prior art experience or special tools are needed, just your curiosity!