All Change is a cherished small charity that brings artists and communities together through authentic arts projects and experiences. Supported by various grants from Islington Giving and our parent charity Cripplegate Foundation, All Change has grown and adapted over its 40-year history to support diverse communities, helping individuals access opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.
The charity connects people through a blend of artforms including photography, poetry, theatre, and music, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and understanding. Artists and participants work together to build skills, confidence, and self-expression, sharing their stories, and even addressing tough subjects.
Projects are co-developed with and tailored to the community, and support a wide range of participants, including young parents, older people, asylum seekers, refugees, and young women. Projects often evolve from previous ones, adapting to changing needs. For example, a programme for young mothers up to age 25 transitioned into one that also supports older mothers.
“We’re not necessarily a charity providing essential basic needs. It’s much deeper than that. And I think what we’ve always done, is ask, where can the arts help?” ~ Suzanne, All Change
The core team is small but diverse, including Islington residents and former participants who now hold paid roles, ensuring the initiatives remain relevant and effective. This intergenerational mix brings fresh perspectives and ideas. The charity also works closely with a range of partners, including educational institutions, corporates, charities, trusts, and foundations, to stay informed about community needs, as well as to maximise impact.
The charity has witnessed heart-warming impact over the years. For instance, the collaboration with Almeida Theatre featured the late 97-year-old Eula Harrison, who charmed audiences while celebrating social care workers, earning a earning a standing ovation and rave reviews in national newspapers.
Another success is the young parent’s project, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Former young parents, now accomplished adults, recently joined the charity to celebrate. One of them, Keisha Riley Douglas, started with the charity as a 14-year-old mum and has since become a counsellor, foster mother, and integral team member, helping new teenage mums navigate their journeys. These stories highlight All Change’s commitment to empowering individuals of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.
“Islington is an unequal area with people who have an awful lot, and people who have nothing at all. We’re interested in redressing that balance and looking at who isn’t being seen, who isn’t being heard, and how can arts and culture enable those people to find a way to tell their stories and to be seen and to be celebrated.” ~ Suzanne, All Change
Suzanne’s passion for equality and the arts keeps her dedicated to All Change. She finds inspiration in the extraordinary individuals she meets and the tangible impact of their work. Moments like young parents and their children performing at Sadler’s Wells and seeing the pride in participants when they showcase their art, deeply move her. Through All Change, Suzanne hopes to continue creating opportunities for everyone to thrive and inspire.
Image: Inspire young parents on stage at Sadler’s Wells
Organisations like these are facing huge strain, with both demand for services and running costs rising. Without you, vital projects like All Change couldn’t continue to provide essential points of connection and support for local people.
