Norwich Theatre has launched its latest Creative Matters season – Creative Matters: Kindness through Creativity. The year-long season will explore how creativity and the arts can inspire change, tell unheard stories, build compassion and create a fairer and kinder society.
With the involvement of artists, storytellers, local communities, and creative partners, Norwich Theatre venues will host a range of events and creative experiences exploring kindness and what it means to communities it serves.
Research from the Mental Health Foundation* found that 63% of UK adults agree that when other people are kind, it has a positive impact on their mental health. The same proportion agree that being kind to others has a positive effect on their mental health.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive & Creative Director at Norwich Theatre, said: “Kindness is not just an emotion, but is defined by our actions. Acts of kindness that can be as simple as sharing and appreciating stories, listening and giving space to others to share what creativity and kindness means to them.
“When we experience kindness, there is a chain reaction. We are inspired to pay it forward and create a wave that impacts entire communities. By exploring the theme of kindness, we can ignite a movement of creative positive impact and boost our community’s wellbeing.”
The season will feature a series of shows, workshops, take-part activities and talks. Creative Matters: Kindness launches with The Boy at the Back of the Class (23 – 27 Apr) at Norwich Theatre Royal. Based on the award-winning book by Onjali Q. Raúf, the show is told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour. The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
Alongside a public programme of shows, talks, workshops and activities for all ages, we will be commissioning an installation: a lasting legacy reflecting community voices and representing the communal impact of kindness, within our spaces. The installation will be in Stage Two and grow as the season progresses, through workshops and drop-ins throughout 2024. The commission is open to Norwich-based artists, and particularly suitable for artists with a participatory or community practice or background. Expressions of interest must be received by 15 Apr 24. Please check the Norwich Theatre website for details.
Kindness is one of Norwich Theatre’s core values and throughout the season it will be exploring its response to kindness internally, empowering individuals and teams to co-create a culture of kindness, ensuring that the theatre has the space and resources available to learn, challenge and lead its ways of working together through our values.
Stephen added: “Creativity thrives in a kind environment where you have the freedom to express yourself, learn from our experiences, try new things and make genuine connections.
“We are hugely excited to share the various creative acts of kindness. We look forward to celebrating the joy that will be brought to life and to finding more inspiration in the way kindness can be expressed in so many different creative ways.”
Book online at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000
