What Is Creative Facilitation? Ollie, Our Marketing Coordinator, Shares His Thoughts

We tend to think of creativity as something which isn’t taught, but learned for oneself. If that's the case, what part is there to play in enabling the creative learning of others? First off, let’s rethink the role of 'teacher.'

Instinctively, we know that facilitation is not about standing in front of a blackboard, setting exercises from textbooks and invigilating exams. This is because some things aren’t learned by absorbing information. Surely creative skills fall into this category. Yes, there might be some technical knowledge required to use a camera, but doesn’t the artistic value of photographs depend on something else, like whether this knowledge is applied in an original and expressive way?

I’ve been thinking about what creates the ideal conditions for learning how to be original and expressive. Many of the participants in the creative programmes offered at Raw Material talk about the importance of feeling supported, but also of feeling free. The reasons many people shy away from creative pursuits often have to do with their own vulnerabilities and insecurities. The right environment should therefore enable people to overcome these obstacles and feel confident in themselves and in their own artistic process. Creative-facilitators play a huge part in making this happen. Rachel, our CEO, suggests that

“the best facilitators are those who are genuinely curious about people and committed to their development - in the moment and in the longer term. A good facilitator can read the room, a great one can share their skills and knowledge in an accessible way which engages everyone, bringing the vibes and helping the group to collaborate together as well as support individuals to progress wherever they're at.”

As well as acting as the Marketing Coordinator for Raw Material, I also work as a photography facilitator - both at Raw Material and at other organisations such as the National Portrait Gallery. Having always been interested in education and photography, I had found opportunities of work in both these areas - but it wasn’t until discovering Creative Facilitation through Raw Material that I realised the possibility of working at the intersection of the two! I think creative-facilitation is an fantastic choice for sociable people who enjoy the arts and find fulfilment in supporting others.

If you have experience of creative-facilitation, or are looking to take your first steps in this field, we regularly offer both paid and voluntary opportunities to facilitators and creatives alike. Every term we invite members of the community to Pitch a Programme of any kind of media-related creative practice. At the same time, we have Volunteering Opportunities for anyone looking for assistant facilitator positions within our Arts & Wellbeing Programme. Any questions or comments about this, feel free to reach out by dropping me an email at ollie@rawmusicmedia.co.uk.