Joana Colours





ABOUT




On this page you will find highlights from programmes I have delivered across East London and Redbridge, working as part of the Barkingside Arts team alongside volunteers and student ambassadors. Together we support children and young people aged 4 to 18 through inclusive creative sessions that celebrate the diversity of Redbridge and champion belonging for all.


My contribution includes both delivery and behind the scenes support. I help prepare materials, assist with planning conversations, contribute to session briefs, support evaluation, and take part in team briefings to ensure each programme runs smoothly. In every project, from summer clubs and library workshops to heritage celebrations and SEND inclusive events, my focus is on creating welcoming creative spaces where everyone feels they belong.



PROJECT NAME

Barkingside Art Club programmes, (apart of Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix, Redbridge Libraries)



ROLE

SEND Studio Lead Facilitator


DATE

August Spring and Summer 2024/2025








Holiday Mega mix arts programmes, with the longest one running for 4 weeks in August across Redbridge Central Library and Fullwell Cross Library, open to mixed ages up to 18. Sessions explore a wide range of artist inspired 2D and 3D making, including William Morris inspired 3D bird sculptures, pottery, collage, still life with inks and more. I led the dedicated SEND family room throughout the programme, catering for children and young people with special needs, and supported volunteers and student ambassadors across both venues to deliver an inclusive and welcoming creative experience for all.



PROJECT NAME

Ellie's Adventures



ROLE

Lead Facilitator


DATE

Spring 2024







Ellie’s Adventures was a four week creative programme offering drop in arts and crafts sessions inspired by best loved children’s books including Alice in Wonderland, Elmer the Elephant, Little Miss Sunshine and Snail and the Whale. My role was lead facilitator, supporting mixed age groups, guiding creative tasks and ensuring the space was welcoming for children with SEND needs. I worked as part of the Barkingside Arts team, preparing materials, supporting volunteers and student ambassadors, and helping families at creative stations at Exchange Ilford Shopping Centre.


SEND child acrylic canvas of a South Asian bird

PROJECT NAME

South Asian Heritage Month, Barkingside Art Club


ROLE

Lead Facilitator & Exhibition Curator


DATE

South Asian Heritage Month 2024



A series of creative sessions, community day and pop-up exhibition celebrating South Asian art and culture. I led BAC ambassadors and volunteers to deliver in-class sessions exploring South Asian artistic traditions including Mughal miniature painting and nature inspired acrylic pieces. I also curated the pop-up window exhibition and coordinated the community day, bringing together the wider local community to celebrate the work made throughout the programme.









PROJECT NAME

Portraits of Love & Memory


Day of the Dead, Kenneth theatre, Ilford


ROLE

Facilitator


DATE

October 2025










I delivered full‑day community banner making and taster print workshops at the Thomas Moore Theatre with my Barkingside Arts team. The project brought local families together to create a joint community banner representing loved ones who have passed, offering a space for remembrance, connection and shared creativity. Participants explored mono printing, ink printing and foam printing techniques, contributing individual prints that formed part of the final collective artwork. I facilitated mixed‑age groups and ensured the environment was calm, welcoming and accessible, particularly for younger children and those with SEN needs. I led student ambassadors and volunteers throughout the day, coordinating roles, modelling inclusive facilitation and supporting smooth delivery for groups of 20 or more attendees.



PROJECT NAME

Community Banner Project


ROLE

Facilitator


DATE

16th November 2025








I delivered community banner‑making workshops as part of the Light Up for Inclusion Winter Campaign. Families created banners expressing what belonging means to them, contributing to a collective artwork that champions inclusion of children with special educational needs in the arts and education, and helps break down barriers to creative participation. My role included facilitating the printmaking station, where participants explored mono printing, ink printing and foam printing techniques, and supporting the family creation station to help children and adults develop meaningful designs. I worked with mixed‑age groups, ensuring the space remained calm, accessible and welcoming for younger children and those with SEN needs. Throughout the project, I supported volunteers and student ambassadors, coordinating roles and modelling inclusive facilitation to ensure smooth delivery for groups of 20 or more attendees.

Finished participant marble run

Waltham Forest Council Advert with event details

My design for Socials

My design for Socials



PROJECT NAME

The Reuse & Repair Fair


ROLE

Facilitator


DATE

21th June 2024








I co-led the Reuse& Repair workshop, as apart of Waltham Forest Reuse& Repair Fair for ages 6 and above. The participants made their own toys out of recycled materials. A big part of the session was promoting sustainability. The workshop also created an easy and relaxed way for parents to learn about the affordable child and first parent care available at the Toy Library hub. because we were already making together, conversations flowed naturally. Parents asked questions, shared experiences and got a clearer sense of what support the hub offers without it feeling formal or intimidating.