The Emmanuel Centre was alive with the vibrant sounds of laughter, conversation, and creativity as Salford Community Upskilling hosted another amazing session of their ‘Culture in Art’ project. Titled ‘Whose Art, Whose Culture?’, the gathering was a beautiful testament to the power of community, shared heritage, and the simple joy of making something with your own hands.

The heart of the session was the ‘Bana Bitendi’ workshop, which focuses on traditional doll making. A large table became a canvas of colourful fabrics, threads, and works-in-progress as women from diverse backgrounds came together. More than just an arts and crafts class, this was a space for connection.

It was a fantastic time spent together, where participants were:

• Sharing hobbies and skills
• Chatting and telling stories
• Laughing and building friendships
• Socialising and networking in a warm, welcoming environment
• Learning from one another’s unique talents and cultural perspectives

The day perfectly blended artistic expression with personal connection, featuring storytelling sessions that brought cultural histories to life and wellbeing talks that nourished the spirit. As the photos show, the room was filled with smiles, focus, and a wonderful sense of camaraderie.

This focus on holistic health is a cornerstone of the project, highlighting how creativity and social connection are vital for our wellbeing. A special thank you to WellbeingMatters in Salford for championing such important initiatives.

Events like this are the lifeblood of our community, and they wouldn’t be possible without dedicated support. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible funders and partners:

• UK Government
• Salford City Council
• Salford CVS

We also want to extend our immense gratitude to the passionate individuals who make it all happen, including Noelle Yolande and Gratias Mukwaya MfumuNkento, and the entire team at Salford Community Upskilling CIC.