Kairos Arts Inspired by the Lloyds Lived Experience Leadership Programme
There were so many things to take away from this programme. Powerful, inspirational stories, practical toolkits, quality resources, intimate learning opportunities in small groups, and then moments of self-discovery that have inspired the future direction of travel…
As a small Jersey charity, and a CEO with relatively little experience, I expected that much of the programme would offer aspirational long-term goals for us. However, each month, with time to reflect and think away from the busy charity hub, I was so grateful for insights into small changes which could be implemented relatively easily but could be transformative for those that we serve.
I want to share one of those insights: a ‘kairos moment’ we would say – a moment in time that’s full of opportunity and hope. Things will never be the same again.
Since we became a Jersey registered charity in 2019, our foundational work has been offering therapeutic arts programmes for groups of people with lived experience of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Over the years our past-participants, having benefitted from our six-week programmes yearned for more. We responded to their need and offered monthly Drop-in sessions. Then once a year we would invite members of the Drop-in group to create a collaborative public art installation – an opportunity to raise awareness or express something of their experience that they want the world to see and hear. This was facilitated by Kairos Practitioners, encouraging and enabling the group to create what they wanted to make.
As a result of the Leadership Programme, I felt equipped and more confident to move this piece of work to the next level. I invited one of the Drop-in participants, who we had built a long-term relationship with, to take a lead in the art installation project, employing them as the artist for the project.
It was a joy and a privilege to empower a person with lived experience of domestic abuse to co-facilitate a collaborative art installation project for a group of people with similar experiences of abuse and violence. The five-week project culminated in a public interactive experience called “Reconnected” in a St Helier Art Gallery, in March 2025. A Kairos Practitioner worked alongside them throughout the process, but it was driven by this artist with lived experience. They inspired exceptional engagement from the group. They wanted the exhibition to raise awareness of their struggles but also share the hope that they feel. The project was empowering for all involved and the release of the creativity, courage and leadership of this co-facilitator with lived experience has had a profound impact on the monthly drop-in group of which they are a part. Connections and friendships have deepened, ideas for future services are emerging and the quality of community fostered has been transformative.
The artist wrote in the introduction to the exhibition: “This art installation embodies the journey of ‘reconnecting back to oneself’…of emotional challenges, hope and empowerment… This is expressed through the art we create and becomes a healing experience.”
Then after the exhibition she said her highlight was: “bringing the group together- we cried, shared, laughed and supported each other through the creative process.”
A visitor to the exhibition expressed: “So moving, humbling and powerful. Thank you for inviting us in to view your journey. Your bravery strengthens and gives hope.” Another wrote, “What a fabulous exhibition. Helping to empower women is just beautiful.”
At Kairos Arts we will continue to listen to and be inspired by the courage and vision of those with lived experience as we plan for the next project. The future direction of travel has been transformed for all involved.
