Green Power
Green Power has delivered creativity and empowerment for women’s recovery journeys since 2022 (when the project began as Art Power). The project has provided support, healing and improved wellbeing for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Since its inception the project has expanded its remit and now supports vulnerable women from a wider range of Mansfield’s population.
“This project has been a lifeline for me… the museum has been a safe place and inspiration for our creativity. I have made friends and regained my confidence and truly feel a part of something special.”
Workshops focus on creative projects connecting with objects, artefacts and artworks from the museum’s collection, which are used to inspire work in a range of media including ceramics, painting and drawing, lino printing, creative writing and beyond. Delivered by eight freelance artists and an art therapist, workshops are supported by a childcare provider.
The project also offers trauma-informed yoga, wellbeing activities, growing vegetables, trips to museums and galleries and cooking demonstrations to support healthy lifestyles, promote connections and cultural exchange.
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The group has now published a poetry book, exhibited artworks at Newstead Abbey, paraded a Green Woman puppet at Mansfield Carnival, and held a co-created community Iftar following Islamic art lino workshops.
Green Power was shortlisted for the Best Museums Change Lives Project award at the Museums Change Lives Awards 2025.
“I have complex PTSD and rarely ever let my guard down, but Green Power is the most inclusive place I have ever been to. I have grown into the person I want to be and I’m thriving, not just surviving.”