Splodge One: Lift Off - Our Launch Event - by India Holme

Week One: The Magic of the process

CollaborACTION, Wicked Problems and Magic

Hi,

I’m India, and my role at Warwick is all about connecting people, research and ideas, making sure that we work together in ways that drive real impact. I've also been referred to as a 'portal' to the university and an intense ideas machine...or even an enthusiastic Duracell Bunny. Make of this what you will!

I’m passionate about creating spaces where collaboration thrives and seeing how co-produced knowledge and collective effort can bring positive change to both individuals and communities.

Last week, we kicked off a project that’s been on my mind since spring 2019. It brought together a diverse group of people, all passionate about making a difference in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The event was buzzing with energy, full of ideas and creativity. Despite the fact that everyone had a lot on their plates, tired from work, juggling deadlines, and life’s complexities, we came together for the launch. It wasn’t just another workday – it was an opportunity to connect, grow, and create something bigger than ourselves.

Despite the rush, the fatigue, and the ever-expanding to-do list, we made it happen. It was hard work for lots of people, but we had fun along the way, and that fun fed into the day, making it inspiring and totally worth it.

There’s something so powerful in the process of creation—whether it’s the creation of projects, events, artworks, or simply new connections and opportunities. Progress isn’t always linear or easy, but it’s always valuable.

The Strain of Adulting: Juggling Life’s Complexities

We’ve all been there—juggling too many things at once. It can feel like juggling baby hedgehogs on a unicycle, maybe it's like juggling hedgehogs, with all their spiky unpredictability. Life is exhausting, and sometimes you drop a metaphorical hedgehog. But during the event, we discussed how essential it is to embrace the play a bit more - perhaps it's the way we juggle and not what we are juggling that really matters. Play can add fun and lightness to our lives at any age, helping us stay connected to our creativity and to one another. We all need to play with problems and ideas, spark new solutions, and lift our spirits in the process.

Emerging from Lockdown: A Call for Connection

The pandemic has impacted all of us in unique ways. Reflecting on that time at the event, I remembered a moment when I stood in my garden at night, looking for a hedgehog with Bo my dog (perhaps one I dropped earlier) while he sniffed excitedly. The world around me was eerily still, but the silence was broken by the sound of not so distant coughs from neighbours' open windows. It was a strange, quiet moment that night, one filled with worry and concern. But at the event this technicolour, high vis, high def, full sensory memory I had made me think about the ways we’ve adapted, connected, and supported each other during the most difficult times, just like in John's poem.

That moment in the garden stayed with me, especially when reflecting on the ongoing journey of emerging from lockdown. This event and the 'Emerging from Lockdown' exhibition gave us a chance to reflect on how we’ve navigated through those tough years. Despite the challenges, we’re finding new ways to move forward together, supporting each other along the way. The collective almost magical strength and resilience we’ve shown are what allow us to take action and create something bigger than ourselves.

Tackling Wicked Problems Together

Speaking of magic, since the event, my daughter insisted we watch the epic and loooong new Wicked movie (watch it!). This got me thinking. These discussion on the day seemed to me be about what's often referred to as 'wicked problems'.

These are complex, multi-faceted issues that don’t have simple, one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether it's climate change, social inequality, or the cost of living, these challenges affect us in different ways, and they require a variety of approaches. There is no definitive right or wrong answer. Instead, there are many possible solutions. It's about finding the balance, collaborating across different perspectives, and continually adapting as we learn from each step.

We need to keep on bringing together diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experiences to address these challenges. In Coventry, we have the talent, resilience, and heart to tackle them head-on. It’s not about finding the perfect solution, but about trying, learning, and growing together. The magic happens when we come together, share ideas, and commit to action.

Support, Community, and Gratitude

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support we received. Our launch was a collective effort, and it wouldn’t have happened without our team’s hard work, creativity, and dedication. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive—people felt inspired, connected, and filled with ideas. And it was a reminder that we can make things happen when we come together.

A special thanks goes to all those who helped us along the way—those who edited many words, those who organized scattered thoughts, those who provided emotional support and those who stuffed tote bags and hung bunting. It’s these and all the small gestures that really make a difference. It’s the unspoken things—the way we make each other feel—that creates a sense of community and belonging.

It's me, my daughter and her best friend, Marie and her two little ones and Sherrie, her sister and son being the last ones standing and cleaning up the event, aged 4-40 odd sharing space and telling stories. It was having a laugh with Blossom, on the Bar at the Box, and watching the girls as they played and searched for all the little Bob Blob's the student's helped hide for children who came and sang and danced in the evening.

Everyone is Different, but no One is Less: whether we like it or not we all need support

It also made me think about something very important. David Hope from Coventry City Council came and checked in on me as I had sent an early email at 4:51am that day, how lovely to check in. That is my normal, early starts or middle of the night planning sessions, but that might not be everyone’s normal. And that’s okay.

The beauty of our work and this project is that we all come with different rhythms, perspectives, and experiences. When we understand that about one another, we can be more compassionate and supportive in ways that make everyone feel included and valued. I see colleagues, friends and family check in on each other, make small gestures and create supportive networks daily.

Working at Warwick and living in Coventry has taught me that if you ask and are open to receiving it, support is never too far away. In these communities, we look out for one another, and we’re always ready to lend a helping hand.

Lory’s Story: Supporting Dreams and Growing Together

During the event, I had a chance to speak with Lory, an economist and behavioural scientist from Italy. Lory’s journey, balancing her career and family life, is a true inspiration. Despite facing the challenges of working full-time, caring for her two young daughters, and managing the responsibilities of full time teaching, administrative roles and being a Widening Participation Champion at Warwick. Which means Lory helps try to ensure everyone from anywhere feels that Warwick could be a place for them.

Lory always gives her all. She recently won a Warwick Wows and Wonders Award and working with Coventry City Council, a local charity and community residents group, she secured a Design Accelerators Grant for the collaborative project, Retrofit Rocks.

The picture is of Lory, centre, with Student Ambassadors and artists when they ran workshops with Coventry City Council Climate Change team at a local primary school.

Seeing Lory and her success made me incredibly happy, a little selfishly perhaps as the bit that makes me most happy, is that I helped. Lory's story is a reminder of how much collaboration, hard work, passion, and dedication can pay off.

What excites me the most is that Lory’s work isn’t just about her own success—it’s about helping others and testing possible solutions to things that contribute to wicked problems. Supporting her in reaching her dreams is one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey, for me. It reminds me of why we do what we do—helping people achieve their dreams, especially when those dreams are about creating a better world for others.

Hope and Optimism in Action and Knowledge Creation

A question I often get asked is, “How do you stay so optimistic and enthusiastic?” The truth is, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, the weight of responsibilities and burnout can leave us feeling disconnected or exhausted. I’ve experienced what’s known as autistic burnout, where I need time to recharge, sometimes in total darkness and complete silence, just to feel grounded again. But understanding that we all struggle and we all need support from time to time—and knowing that we’re not alone—helps me stay hopeful.

As for me, hope comes from the people around me. There are so many passionate, dedicated individuals out there (and in 'here'). It’s inspiring to see how everyone can come together, ask interesting questions, think innovatively and create new knowledge, even when times are tough. We all have our differences and can all play different roles as we make a difference. That’s what keeps me going.

The Coventry Spirit: Resilient, Courageous, and Ever-Renewing

For those who reflect on the challenges and resources available, and feel afraid we won't be able to reach our dreams, please take a moment and contemplate the past. As for me it’s impossible not to draw inspiration from the symbols that define Coventry—symbols of resilience, courage, and renewal.

Finding Hope in the Process

So whilst the bigger picture can often feel overwhelming, with small steps - we can create meaningful change. Change can take time, and taking steps can be hard, but with determination, creativity, and the support of others, we can move forward together. It’s the process of trying, failing, and trying again that brings real progress.

When we look at those wicked problems, we can't wave a magic wand, but we can see them as opportunities to learn and grow. It’s about moving forward together, in any way we can. The journey isn’t always perfect, but with each step, we get closer to creating the change we want to see.

Change might not come all at once, but if we stay committed to each other and to the process, we’ll get there. And never forget that as the Lego Movie reminds us (for me often as an ear worm - or perhaps some form of internal echolalia - like repeated phrases and songs on loops in my head) ...

“Everything is awesome when you're part of a team.”

So come on team, let's grab our bricks and bring our brains and let's CollaborACT.