Collage as a powerful tool for young people's self-expression
At Project CREATE’s recent Living Lab, arts facilitator Sarah Astin led the young participants in exploring collage as a tool for self-expression, creativity and connection. Here is her experience of the Living Lab.
Sarah Astin leading the collage Living Lab for Project CREATE.
As an arts and design teacher in Further Education since 2007, I’ve had the privilege of guiding young people through their own creative journeys.
In recent years, I've expanded my practice to include community-based arts work, where I engage with children, young people and adults in my local communities of Pendle and Craven.
It’s through this lens that I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a wider audience, discovering the power of art in creating connection and fostering wellbeing.
Joining the Living Lab project
I first got involved in this inspiring project when a fellow teacher pointed me towards Project CREATE’s Danelle Lee’s LinkedIn post calling for arts practitioners.
This led me to take part in the Living Lab weekend in Leeds in June 2024, where I facilitated the painting strand that young people had selected. The experience was very impactful, and I was so motivated by the findings of that weekend.
I was delighted when I was invited back to be lead arts facilitator for the final Living Lab in February 2025. This time, I guided the group of young people in a weekend of exploring collage techniques and creative adaptations of wellbeing questionnaires.
Conversations that matter
What makes working with young people so exciting is their natural enthusiasm and creativity. My joy, energy and love of creative facilitation also helped engage the group. The key to my facilitation is an open mindset – and I am always learning from my participants.
I focus on adapting to the group, thinking on my feet and planning carefully to ensure both individual discussions and group activities are engaging and productive for all involved.
Throughout the weekend, I introduced various collage skills, supported by artist examples, printouts and visual analysis. I made sure to leave space for personal reflection and allowed the young people to develop their own samples.
The final showcase and exhibition of their work was particularly meaningful, as they took full ownership of their display spaces, even writing their own artist statements.
Collage as a medium for processing emotions
What surprised me most was how open and eager the young people were to get involved. They were passionate about mental health, loneliness and creating stronger connections - issues I hold close to my heart.
Our discussions, often sparked by their artwork and creative adaptations of questionnaires and prompts, were incredibly enriching. Collage became a medium for not just creating, but reflecting on personal experiences, slowing down and processing emotions.
The outcomes from the young people were diverse and visually stunning, reflecting their unique perspectives and experiences
A freeing process
The outcomes from the young people were diverse and visually stunning, reflecting their unique perspectives and experiences. They found the process freeing, with one participant describing it as "a self-discovery when collaging and making”.
I think one of the most important takeaways from the project is the importance of developing self-esteem through productive and supportive behaviours, staying open-minded and learning from each other. And taking some time to reflect and just be.
The power of community and art
Working with these young people reaffirmed my belief in the power of community and art to heal, inspire and create lasting connections.
As we continue to build a community through engagement and workshops, I am excited to see how art can help others process their own experiences and express their emotions.
The high energy and dedication of the young people was truly inspiring, and I look forward to many more projects that encourage both artistic expression and personal growth for young people in my practice.
Let’s keep creating, connecting and learning together!
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