• The Alchemy of Art and Advocacy in Cultural Narratives with R.M. Sánchez-Camus
    Mar 21 2024

    As I sat down with RM Sánchez-Camus (Marcelo), the migrant artist whose palette of activism and creativity colours societal canvases, our conversation turned into an inspiring odyssey through the crossroads of art and advocacy. Marcelo opens up about his journey, blending public, social, and applied art to spark change, and discusses the layered complexities of his work within the UK's cultural landscape as a naturalized citizen. His narrative reveals how art can democratize cultural narratives and become an instrument for societal transformation, emphasizing the need for participation and representation within the arts.

    Throughout the episode, we traverse the evolutionary path of the Social Art Network and its crucial role in uniting artists who harness creativity for social reform. Marcelo shares the highs and lows of his quest for recognition in social artistry and the collective strength found in a network that celebrates and supports this meaningful craft.

    Our dialogue culminates with reflections on the profound relationship between art, society, and the planet's wellbeing. Marcelo offers his perspectives on how avant-garde art practices can challenge norms and ignite progress and how technology is being leveraged to democratize the creative process. We underscore the symbiotic connection between humanity and Earth and how harnessing our collective virtuosity through art can lead to healing on a global scale. It's a conversation imbued with passion and a shared commitment to knowledge, leaving us grateful for such exchanges and eager for future collaborations.

    Check more details of this episode here.

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    50 mins
  • Exploring the Anthropology of Creativity with Sinead Cullen #44
    Oct 31 2023

    Have you ever considered how your creativity is influenced by your community or perhaps, how it can impact those around you? Well, you're about to find out. This week, we have the pleasure of chatting with the talented Sinead Cullen, an architect, artist, and movement medicine teacher who enlightens us about the anthropology of creativity. We uncover how our innate need to create art is intertwined with our communities and discuss the culture of individualism prevalent in today's art scene.

    Our conversation opens up fascinating perspectives on creativity as we journey into the unknown and build trust during the creative process. As we navigate these unknown territories, Sinead uses the intriguing analogy of a black hole at the center of our galaxy, representing the nothingness from which we all emerge, to help us better grasp the concept. We also examine how engaging in the creativity process can reveal connections that we didn't even know existed.

    Additionally, we dive into the beautiful realm of motherhood and its potent connection to our creative instincts. Observing children's process of learning through trial and error, we see a profound creative journey unfold before our eyes. The joy and purity of children and nature during moments of exploration and play are captivating. To wrap things up, we contemplate the evolution of art, displaying the complexities of quality, excellence, and inclusivity. So, tune in and join this insightful exploration of creativity, its profound impact on community, and our personal lives.

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES: www.raquelbellastella.com/podcast/exploring-the-anthropology-of-creativity-with-sinead-cullen-44

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    50 mins
  • Provoking Thought and Sparking Change: A Conversation with Lucy Dear #43
    Oct 17 2023

    After quite a pause… we’re back! This last year was a gestation pause - not of a human being but of my theatre company, Imaginari Theatre.

     And.. Can I tell you what? I’m so excited to be here with you in the Art Impact Podcast again!

    Discover the transformative power of theatre through the eyes of distinguished applied theatre practitioner Lucy Dear. Listen in as Lucy, a theatre maker and community producer, takes us on a captivating journey from her early experiences in youth theatre to her academic pursuits at Queen Mary University of London. Hear the personal tales that sparked her interest in gender and gender normativity and how theatre can challenge these societal constructs. With Lucy’s unique insights, prepare to broaden your understanding of the theatre world beyond its entertainment façade.

    The conversation takes an exciting turn as we delve into the creation of inclusive spaces via arts. Lucy elucidates on her work with diverse groups, underscoring the potential of arts in fostering social change. As the narrative unfolds, Lucy bravely confronts gender dynamics and domestic violence, advocating for the power of art in driving social shifts. This episode is an enlightening journey that peels back the layers of theatre, revealing its profound psychological and anthropological underpinnings. So, buckle up for an enlightening ride with Lucy Dear that challenges perceptions, questions norms, and celebrates the transformative potential of the arts.

    EPISODE’S SHOW NOTES

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    38 mins
  • Children’s Poetry As An Incredible Tool For Inclusion & Broadening Our Thinking with Kate Wakeling #42
    Nov 22 2022

    In today’s episode, I’m talking with the award-winning writer and musicologist Kate Wakeling about children’s poetry as a tool for inclusion and realizing our unlimited potential. Kate is writer-in-residence with Aurora Orchestra - and that’s how my kids and I got to know her wonderful work - and writes regularly for BBC Music Magazine and the Times Literary Supplement.

    Her debut collection of children’s poetry, Moon Juice by The Emma Press, won the 2017 CLiPPA and was nominated for the 2018 CILIP Carnegie Medal.

    Such a beautiful and inspiring conversation. Enjoy! 


    EPISODE’S SHOW NOTES

    OUR FREE GUIDE TO A SUSTAINABLE + IMPACTFUL ART CAREER. 

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    35 mins
  • The Theatre of Attachment & Supporting Children to Overcome Trauma and Realise Their Full Potential with Dr Joan Moore #41
    Nov 15 2022

    In Dr Joan Moore’s vast experience supporting foster and adoptive families, creative arts are the most effective methods of therapy to enable children and young people to accept their pasts, form new secure and healthy relationships and thrive. Dr Joan is a play and dramatherapy expert and the creator of The Theatre of Attachment Model. In this episode, we talk about how play and storytelling can support children to overcome trauma and realise their full potential.

    Such a powerful and moving conversation. I can’t wait to share it with you.

    EPISODE’S SHOW NOTES

    OUR FREE GUIDE TO A SUSTAINABLE + IMPACTFUL ART CAREER. 

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    47 mins
  • Finding Our Call by Chance and Wonder with Gary Albert #40
    Nov 8 2022

    In today’s episode, I’m having an ultra-exciting and honest conversation with Gary Albert about the power of art in our world today, mental health and finding our call by chance and wonder.  

    Gary Albert, is a multi-award-winning artist who creates music to ignite awe and inspire wonder in the world.

    He loops and layers his soaring flute, sparkling piano and velvet vocals into a transcendental sonic tonic that critics have as “... a multi-instrumental dream”, "... a poetic and introspective dimension" and "mesmerising".

    I can’t wait to share this conversation with you.


    EPISODE’S SHOW NOTES

    OUR FREE GUIDE TO A SUSTAINABLE + IMPACTFUL ART CAREER. 

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    52 mins
  • Do The Work That Matters with Daniela Hofmann #39
    Nov 1 2022

    In today’s episode, I’m talking to Daniela Hofmann about her top tips on doing the work that matters while working from home. Feeling restless and unfulfilled in her full-time corporate career as a Finance Professional, Daniela embarked on an entrepreneurial and intentional journey back to herself in 2017.

    As part of this, she noticed her struggles with finding the time and space for work that really mattered to her. She now runs the cabin, a mindful online coworking space, to help conscious changemakers focus on doing meaningful and inspiring work.


    EPISODE’S SHOW NOTES

    On November 7th, 2022 the cabin club is opening its doors. the club is a mindful online coworking space for conscious creators, freelancers and business owners. It combines focused work, mindfulness, accountability and community.

    You can find out more here.


    OUR FREE GUIDE TO A SUSTAINABLE + IMPACTFUL ART CAREER. 

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    28 mins
  • Frantic Assembly & Creating Brave Theatre Beyond The Stage with Scott Graham #38
    Oct 24 2022

    Can you be terrified and fearless? In today’s episode, I’m talking to Scott Graham, the Artistic Director of Frantic Assembly, one of the UK's most successful and best-loved theatre companies. 

    Frantic Assembly's mission is to make brave and bold theatre, and its work has always extended beyond the stage.

    The company has a deep commitment to the ethos of collaboration, empowerment and a constant desire to improve, telling stories in a voice we don't always hear and finding talent in places we don't always look.


    EPISODE’S SHOW NOTES

    OUR FREE GUIDE TO A SUSTAINABLE + IMPACTFUL ART CAREER. 

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    39 mins