The 'Humans Not Heroes' project was a unique collaboration between researchers from Coventry University, producers at China Plate Theatre and a group of artists to create the audio artwork ‘#BoatsonanOcean’, funded by ‘Coventry Creates’ The artwork is a representation of the stories, experiences, and emotions shared by healthcare workers (HCWs) from across the UK, gathered during an online creative workshop in June 2020 amid the Covid-19 first wave.

Through the process of sharing stories and hearing them aloud within the artwork, power was devolved to HCW participants: HCWs explained that the project helped them to feel that their voices were being heard and that the artwork was a way for the public to relate to their experiences. Researchers, artists, and HCWs learned from one another and developed a sense of commonality - although we are in ‘different boats’, we are all on the same ocean. At this unprecedented time for healthcare workers, we feel the arts are a way for the general public to relate to their stories and experiences. We are currently entering the second phase of the project, working towards evidencing this co-creation arts-based intervention, at a time when support for healthcare workers feels ever more important.

Coventry University Researchers Kerry Wykes and Sally Pezaro and Nurse Participant Zoe Carciente will share their experiences as part of our Research as Cultural Practice; supporting public health policy session, chaired by Karamjit Singh, Chair of Culture Growth Coventry, Friday 25th June 11.30am

For more information: Boats on an ocean - Coventry Creates 

Link to audio artwork: https://soundcloud.com/user-491221439/boats-on-an-ocean/s-BjgVELLyojM 

China Plate Theatre: https://chinaplatetheatre.com/ 

Sally Pezaro blog: https://sallypezaro.wordpress.com/ 

Social media handles @KerryWykes @YourOldChina @SallyPezaro #BoatsonanOcean @LouiseCMoodyCU @COVUNI_CAMC and @coventryFAH @ZCarciente @CYPStNN 

To register for the summit, please REGISTER HERE