Phase 1: Group Interviews

Centring community voice through creative methodologies

Phase 1 brought together racialised creatives from across Scotland to explore experiences of wellbeing, barriers within the sector, and visions for change.

What we did

Between September and October 2025, we held group interview sessions in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and online. Using arts-based methodologies including collage-making, participants explored:

• Their experiences of wellbeing and ill-health as racialised creatives

• What support, spaces and structures our communities need

• Visions for reimagining Scotland's creative landscape

Sessions were facilitated by the Creative Balance team in a supportive environment, with community meals at in-person gatherings.

Why this approach

Traditional research methods don't always capture how our communities understand and talk about wellbeing. Collage-making allowed participants to share experiences on their own terms - visually, symbolically and through conversation - without relying solely on formal language or Western mental health frameworks.

What participants receiveD

• Travel expenses covered

• Community meal at in-person sessions

• Up to 2 hours of optional free therapy with vetted Black and POC practitioners

• Access to ongoing support resources

• Group holistic sessions exploring somatics and breathwork

What's next

We're currently analysing the rich material from these sessions. Themes and findings will be shared in our published report in June 2026, and through the Creative Balance Wellbeing Festival to be announced.

If you have any questions, please contact us at hello@creativebalance.scot