Project information
Dr. Sylvan Baker is continuing his work with The Verbatim Formula (TVF) on a project called “More than skin deep: What is your dream of care?” which uses dance, verbatim, storytelling & beatboxing, for care experienced young people to uplifting and challenging reflections on the care system. This participatory process culminated in performances followed by reflective discussion on how we change the stigma and negativity attached to being in care.
The Verbatim Formula performed at Battersea Arts Centre in March, 2022.
The event with care-experienced young people explored the positive potential of foster care through creative practices used to change the stigma and negativity attached to being in care:
“Care-experienced young adults from Wandsworth have been working with The Verbatim Formula, a team of artists, researchers, and performers. They have repeatedly told us that there could be more space for trust and empathy in the way in which adults care for young people. There is also stigma and negativity attached to being in care. For some young people, there isn’t even a space in foster care.
Using movement, verbatim, story-telling and sound we’ve been exploring the participants’ reflections on the care system, both the uplifting and the challenging. With the young people, we are seeking to understand what can make magical moments in care, moments that matter. Moments that live long in the memory.
When a young person needs care, they need more than just a place to stay. Steady and respectful relationships can help care-experienced young people to thrive. Our hope is to inspire positive potentials of care.
What are the words that can help dry your eyes in the darkness, the music that leaps and beats with your heart, the dance that moves you to the rhythm, the listening that touches your soul?
We’d love for you to join us, to hear their voices, see their ideas and feelings. And share what you think and feel.
Come to this event to explore with creative practices the positive potential of foster care.”
Video
More than Skin Deep: What’s your Dream of Care? The Verbatim Formula, Battersea Arts Centre, 29 March, 2022.
Using dance, music, verbatim, storytelling and beatboxing, care experienced young people shared uplifting and challenging reflections on the care system. The performance, a collaboration between The Verbatim Formula, Wandsworth Council and Battersea Arts Centre, explores the positive potential of foster care through creative practices. The event was followed by a reflective discussion on how we change the stigma and negativity attached to being in care.
Film by Paula Siqueira