Jaw Jaw was a singing and movement (dance) project with a difference! Supported by Villages in Action, this pilot project aimed to explore ways of continuing connection online through creativity.

We recruited participants from East/ West/ Mid Devon, Teignbridge and South Hams (mostly people who didn’t go out much) to join a series of online creative workshops.

The Jaw Jaw Project connected people with a range of weekly workshops led by creative artists and meet-ups where they can get involved in group activities, all without having to leave home!

How did it work?

We delivered a video calling device to the participants and helped them to set it up. Every week for 6 weeks they could access live workshops delivered by leading Devon based performing arts organisations. Wren Music is a champion of traditional choral-singing and the folk music of Devon with many years of experience in exciting community based activity. Jane Mason is a contemporary dance choreographer who will lead dance and movement workshops in this project. The content of the workshops was adapted to whoever is in the group, and our experienced leaders worked with the participants to get the most out of the sessions.

What did it aim to achieve?

Jaw Jaw was a pilot project; we wanted to understand more about the possibilities of digital connection for people who are isolated by geographical, mobility or other health issues, yet who still want to engage in creative activity. We asked participants to complete a simple questionnaire either online or via a phone call at the start, middle and end of the project, and all equipment will be provided for the 6 week duration of the pilot project. This was a free activity programme to explore the possibility of maintaining connection through creativity.