Creativity and community voices take centre stage at County Hall
The creativity of adults with learning disabilities from Banbury was celebrated at Oxfordshire County Council on Tuesday 3 November, as service users from The Redlands Centre brought their artwork to County Hall and one of their members presented a petition to councillors.
Artwork created by the centre’s service users, predominantly local artist Stacy Baker, was displayed on the walls of the council chamber. The exhibition forms part of the council’s initiative to bring the creativity and experiences of Oxfordshire’s communities into the heart of its democratic activities.
Following the recent ‘100 Women of Oxford’ exhibition at the previous full council meeting, this vibrant and colourful collection of collage paintings takes us to the other end of the county, showcasing the talents, perspectives and creativity of a very different group of residents.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the centre’s service users to make their voices heard on an issue that directly affects them. Centre regular Connor Rose presented a petition to the council highlighting the difficulties he faces accessing The Redlands Centre because of uneven paths.
Councillors were deeply impressed by Connor’s speech and the short video he presented to illustrate the barriers he encounters. His contribution was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to the people who rely on our services and ensuring that their experiences help shape the decisions we make.
Councillor Bekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It was wonderful to welcome the people from The Redlands Centre to County Hall and to see their creativity celebrated so prominently in our council chamber. Their artwork is a fantastic expression of the talent and individuality of people with learning disabilities. Equally important is Connor’s contribution in presenting his petition. Everyone deserves to be able to access the services and activities that matter to them, and it is vital that we listen to people’s experiences and take their concerns seriously. Connor’s speech and video were a powerful example of how people can make a real difference by speaking up.”
The visit was a wonderful example of how art, community engagement and local democracy can come together, bringing the voices and talents of Oxfordshire residents into the council chamber.
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