London Artists in Residence: Music for a Healthier Society, or London Calling
This spring, we’re welcoming a group of British artists and musician-activists for a three-day residency at Klara i Rosa. Through workshops, music sessions, and an open public conversation, they’ll share how creativity and the arts can actively support mental health — and how they put this into practice in their own space in South London. In the UK, the role of grassroots organisations, community groups, and independent artists is widely recognised. Beyond institutions, they bring people together, nurture talent, and strengthen individuals through culture and collective creativity. Over these three days, the people of Subotica will have the chance to experience the energy, methods, and spirit of our guests first-hand — and perhaps leave inspired to try something new themselves.
At a time when anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty feel increasingly common, music becomes more than art — it’s a way to connect, to regulate emotions, and to build community. Creating and listening together opens space for dialogue, solidarity, and care — not only for individual well-being, but for society as a whole.
Participation is free of charge. Workshop places are limited, so registration is required via the form below: via form
https://forms.gle/BsgN2sLW7yZypaZY7
The working language of the programme is English, but we warmly encourage everyone to join, regardless of language confidence — there will always be someone around to help translate and make sure we understand one another.
Raw Material Music and Media is a Brixton-based charity supporting the creative and personal development of young people and the wider community through music and media. Housed in a purpose-built three-storey centre, it includes professional music studios, a digital audio suite, DJ and video equipment, as well as spaces for performances, workshops and collaborative work. Through its Young Creatives programme, early-career artists receive training, mentoring and hands-on experience working to professional standards. A key strand of their work is Arts and Wellbeing (Raw Sounds) — a programme that uses creative activity to encourage self-expression and improve mental health. The organisation champions inclusion, works closely with underrepresented groups, and develops collective, democratic models of governance. More at: https://rawmusicmedia.org/
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Programme:
Friday, 20 March
18:00 – Talk: Creativity and Mental Health - A conversation with the visiting artists about their work and how creative practice supports wellbeing in their community.
19:00–20:30 – Music for Mindful Presence Mindful Music
Led by Jess Clarke and Rachel Nelken
Open to everyone, regardless of musical experience — whether you’re completely new or a seasoned musician. Through guided exercises, we’ll practise listening and responding to one another before moving into improvisation, creating music together in the moment. The session focuses on connection and allowing yourself to fully immerse in a shared sonic journey.
Informal social and drinks to follow.
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Saturday, 21 March
10:00–11:00 – Craft & Wellbeing Workshop
With Amy Taylor and Katy Newman
Join us for an hour of exploring visual motifs, creative making and mindful practice. We’ll sift through magazines, flyers and posters, cutting shapes, colours and images to create personal collages that reflect our interests, identities and emotions. Creative work can offer space for focus and rest — a way to slow the mind while making something meaningful to take home. No experience needed. Suitable for families.
11:30 – 12:30: Introductory Production Workshop
With Ron Bennet
Curious about how songs are made? This beginner-friendly workshop offers a practical introduction to music production using Logic Pro. Together we’ll explore how to build a track from scratch using beats, loops, melody, and structure, while learning the basics of bars, song sections, arrangement, and levelling. Whether you are completely new to production or already make music and want to strengthen your foundations, this session will give you useful tools, creative confidence, and a clearer understanding of how ideas become songs. No prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a love of music.
10 - 15 people
19:00–20:00 – Open Mic / Jam Session
With Rachel Broderick and Janet Browne
A relaxed and welcoming evening where voices, instruments, words and rhythms come together in the moment. We’re opening up a shared space for singers, musicians, poets, storytellers and creatives of all kinds — whether you’d like to perform something prepared, try something new, improvise, or simply listen and connect.
There’s no pressure and no expectations — just people gathering through creativity, supporting one another and building community through sound and storytelling.
Informal social and drinks to follow.
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Sunday, 22 March
10:30–12:00 – Voice, Percussion & Mindful Music Workshop
Led by Jess Clarke and Rachel Broderick
Vocal Playground
A rhythm-based vocal playground inviting you to explore your voice as a creative instrument through guided exercises, playful experimentation and group singing. We’ll discover how breath, rhythm, tone and resonance shape your sound, while building confidence and deep listening skills.
We’ll also experiment with light percussion, exploring where voice and rhythm meet and support one another. Beyond musical skills, we’ll experience the grounding and energising effects of singing together in a space rooted in curiosity, joy and creative play.
No previous experience needed — just a willingness to take part. Singing is for everyone. Come and play.
This project is funded by the British Council through the Culture Connects grant scheme, which supports artists and cultural organisations in Serbia in developing creative partnerships with colleagues in the United Kingdom, encouraging new projects and innovation.
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