Join Queer Minds for a creative writing workshop in partnership with the new exhibition ‘I Can’t Meditate' at Staffordshire St gallery. At this writing workshop we'll use Abdollah Nafisi's display of bold, tactile sculptures as inspiration for playful writing exercises and creative activities to bring together our community, feel connected, grounded and creatively stimulated.
The workshop will be led by Elizabeth Bailey, co-founder of Folk Club and the Programme Producer at Staffordshire St. exhibition. Elizabeth runs Word Club - a space for collectives, curators and audiences to explore cross-disciplinary writing, from prose and non-fiction, to academia and poetry. After the workshop there will be time to explore the gallery's exhibition in a quiet, relaxed space with fellow Queer Minds participants.
About the exhibition:
In 'I Can't Meditate’, sculptures crafted from natural materials and discarded industrial waste animate the space in distinct formations. They wait to be engaged with, to be activated by visitors through sound, touch, movement and assembly. They act as a starting point, an invitation to feel connection whether felt through presence, tension or dialogue. Moving through the sensory exhibition feels like a kind of breathing - a rhythm of attention, drifting, and returning.
For Nafisi, meditation is found not in being alone in stillness, but in connection, a practice that shapes his countryside studio, part workshop, part social space. His research in western philosophy, and time spent travelling with Iranian nomadic tribes in his twenties, lend him a sensibility for how being fully present with each other, with no agenda, through sharing, playing, eating, or simply spending time in company, can lead to deeper connection and shared understanding.
🌟🌟🌟 Important information about our free events / cancellations! 🌟🌟🌟
- Queer Minds events are by and for LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18+)
- Spaces are limited, so please only reserve a spot if you can definitely make it and cancel your ticket at least 48 hours ahead of time if you can no longer attend. Failing to show up without prior cancellation takes a spot from someone else – please be considerate of those on the waitlist who wish to join us!
For details on how to get there, visit the Staffordshire St website: https://www.staffordshirest.com/visit-us
Accessibility: There is step-free access to the gallery via the door to the left hand side of the main entrance. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet. The event will be taking place in the exhibition space, which is a large open room with bright lighting and some seating available.
The Accessibility Pack is available here.
If you have any questions please email queerminds@selmind.org.uk.
We hope to see you there!
About Queer Minds:
Queer Minds is a peer support group for LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18+) who live, work or play in Lambeth and Southwark. This group is by us, for us and is for those who are looking to connect with others and get support for their mental health. We currently run two monthly peer support groups, a trans drop-in group, and various workshops and activities with partner organisations. You can find more information about the group on the Queer Minds website: selmind.org.uk/queerminds or Instagram @queermindslondon.