Creative Resilience

How can creative participation help us navigate difficulty, strengthen relationships and discover new possibilities?

In Creative Resilience, Dr Reem Kassem introduces the Creative Resilience Framework-an approach connecting personal capacities and community support through creative participation, non-formal education and an ongoing process of learning and adaptation.

The handbook draws on years of practice through AGORA for Arts and Culture, founded during Egypt's 2011 revolution, and doctoral research with young women living in care shelters in Alexandria. Through these experiences, Kassem explores how making, expressing, choosing and learning together can support recovery, sustainability and growth.

Written for parents, caregivers, artists, educators and community practitioners, this practical handbook includes:

• Accessible explanations of resilience and the Creative Resilience Framework
• Stories and photographs tracing the journey from community practice to research
• Five techniques for meaningful participation and shared learning
• Six activity plans, reflection worksheets and a facilitator record
• Proposed adaptations for children, teenagers and families
• Guidance on inclusive facilitation, safeguarding and learning from practice

At its heart is an invitation to create opportunities for people to feel heard, make meaningful choices and recognise what they can contribute.

Whether you support creative activities at home, lead workshops or develop community programmes, Creative Resilienceoffers a thoughtful starting point for bringing these principles into everyday life.