Navigating the Seas of Care
The first glimpse at a long-term project exploring the care system through artist publishing with the #ShetlandCrew, Gaada, and Who Cares? Scotland.
Over the past 18 months, Gaada has been working with the #ShetlandCrew, a group of care experience young people, to creatively explore their personal experiences and journeys through the care system.
Gaada’s expertise in community + artist-led publishing practices provided a jumping-off point for 10 members of the group to begin developing their thoughts and ideas into printed reality. Over approximately 20 workshops, our team got to know the group, and plot ideas, which were finessed through several printed iterations into the final zines.
Zines for Hoping + Coping
The resulting works were a series of 10 mini-publications collectively titled Zines for Hoping + Coping - a title which reflects the group’s aspiration that these small pockets of personal space communicate ideas of how they each of them made it through the overwhelming and often scary experience of going into and through the care system.
There really is so much hope in these stories, Gaada has no doubt that they will provide reassurance to other young people who may be beginning a care journey of their own. Whilst hope is a wonderful thing, these unique works also bustle with a wealth of wisdom, proactive advice, tips and insight - all told with brutal unabashed honesty - that simply comes from those with lived experience writing their own history. Platforming this valuable understanding with creative publishing has been Gaada's key focus during the co-production of these zines. Our team has worked hard to ensure the dynamism and creativity of the Shetland Crew is clearly communicated throughout the work. Even after what has been our long collaboration, we continue to be in awe of this amazing community and we hope readers will appreciate the bravery each member of the Shetland Crew has demonstrated in sharing their stories.
Above: a selection of just some of the Zines for Hoping + Coping which were produced by the Shetland Crew.
Zines for Hoping + Coping - Launch Event + Exhibition
The first part of this project was officially launched at a special private event on 19th August 2024 at the Toogs Artist Workshop in Burra, Shetland.
The event was attended by members of the group, and Meids (Shetland based Corporate Parents) from Who Cares? Scotland, University of Highlands and Islands, and the Shetland Islands Council. The celebratory event included the raising of a specially designed flag, live readings (and performances!) from the zines, and a special zine-making workshop focused on reaffirming the importance of being a Meid. The launch also marks the start of an exhibition of the flag, zines and artwork outside Toogs Artist Workshop, which will run until 30th September 2024.
Above: Images of the launch event in August.
Above: These zines were made by Corporate Parents and other attendees of the launch event in response to the prompt - “What does being a Meid mean to you?“
Navigating the Seas of Care
The Next Journey
Navigating the Seas of Care The Next Journey
Alongside developing of these fantastic zines, the Shetland Crew have produced content for a new publication aimed specifically at children entering the care system for the first time.
Keep an eye out for more on this coming soon.
Navigating the Seas of Care - Flag design by Gaada, inspired by members of Shetland Crew.
Gaada would like to thank Siân Wild for her energy, enthusiasm, and strength throughout this project.
Siân Wild was the advocacy and participation officer (and so much more) for Who Cares? Scotland during this project (and the previous 8 years). She continues to be an inspiration…..
Related Posts:
