Exhibition

Playing Out – A Celebration of Creative Joy

Dates of event: 8 Sep 2025 - 27 Oct 2025 Mon - Thu, Daily Opening Time: 10:00am - Daily Closing Time: 5:00pm

Venue Address: The Window Gallery, City Arts, 11-13 Hockley, Nottingham, NG1 1FH

Abstract artwork with a bold black outline of a leaf-like tree in the center. The background is a mix of bright colors, including blue, yellow, red, green, and pink, blending together in a painterly style.

A celebration of community, connection and shared creativity, this exhibition showcases artwork created as part of a project led by artist Amelia Daiz and supported by artist Grace Calloway.

Children, young people and their families explored visual arts, movement and imagination together over the summer holidays. The project was inspired by the simple joy of “playing out”. This exhibition acts as a reminder of the freedom, fun and rest that can be found during outdoor play and time spent in nature.

Abstract artwork with a black outline of a flower-like form. The background features expressive red, blue, and light gray brushstrokes.'
Graphic artwork of a black leaf outline over a textured green background with subtle lighter patterns and shapes.

Workshops focused on inclusion and wellbeing. They created a safe, welcoming spaces for creative expression and community connection.

The exhibition was curated by Amelia Daiz and Grace Calloway, working in partnership with BeatFeet. It is supported by Arts Council England and When Women Gather. The workshops were run in partnership with Café on the Corner at St Paul’s Church, Community Coaching Company, When Women Gather, LW Arts CIC, and CommuniTree Festival.

Four children play around the base of a large tree at an outdoor event. The tree trunk is decorated with a red string holding colourful scarves. The children are laughing and smiling, with one eating a sandwich. In the background, people are seated on picnic blankets and chairs under tall trees.
Children play during an outdoor arts workshop

About the artists

Amelia Daiz

Amelia Daiz is a socially engaged artist and workshop facilitator, working for venues and organisations across the East Midlands. Her focus is on printmaking, play, walking and wellbeing. Her projects encourage engagement in the arts and connection with communities. She runs the organisation Meanderers which uses walking as a creative tool for improving wellbeing. She is currently Artist in Residence at The National Civil War Centre.

Grace Calloway

Grace Calloway is a workshop facilitator and creative running sessions across the East Midlands. She works for alternative education placements, festivals and social and creative venues. Her practice includes creating welcoming and engaging environments for people to experiment with their artistic side. She runs Messy Brain Events, hosting popular creative and craft events. She also makes jewellery and performs as a musician.

BeatFeet Drumming

BeatFeet is a creative arts organisation specialising in music-making, visual arts, dance and wellbeing-focused workshops. Founded and directed by Jude Winwood, an experienced teacher and community arts practitioner, BeatFeet has developed a strong reputation for inclusive, creative practice. Workshops connect people through rhythm, movement and art. BeatFeet’s programmes are engaging, exciting and accessible for all ages and abilities.