One Voice Collective

One Voice Collective is Verd de Gris Arts' long-term creative leadership collective, bringing together women from across Calderdale whose lives have been transformed through sustained creative participation. Representing a rich diversity of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, the collective demonstrates what becomes possible when creativity is viewed not as a short-term intervention but as an ongoing journey of growth, belonging and leadership.

Every member first came to Verd de Gris through one of the organisation's creative wellbeing programmes, often at a time when confidence was low, isolation was high or life felt uncertain. Rather than seeing those courses as an end point, participants are invited to continue their creative journey through One Voice, where they become collaborators, performers, mentors and advocates. This progression has become central to Verd de Gris Arts' methodology, creating a sustainable community led by women with lived experience.

The collective meets weekly to create, reflect and support one another. Together they develop original performances, publications, podcasts, exhibitions, talks and public events that explore issues including identity, belonging, women's wellbeing, social justice and community cohesion. Working alongside nationally respected artists from disciplines including photography, theatre, writing, sound and music, the women create ambitious interdisciplinary work that challenges assumptions about who art is for and who has the authority to create it.

Beyond artistic production, One Voice has become an important civic voice within West Yorkshire. Members have co-designed health conferences, created the Journeys of Change podcast series, contributed to creative health research, advised universities and public agencies, spoken at conferences and worked alongside local authorities and cultural organisations to influence services affecting women and girls. Their lived experience is recognised as expertise, helping shape conversations around health, wellbeing, inclusion and community development.

Perhaps the collective's greatest achievement lies in the way its members support others. Women who once arrived seeking confidence now mentor new participants, lead workshops, perform publicly and create opportunities for younger generations. Projects such as We Belong demonstrate this intergenerational approach, bringing together women and girls to build relationships founded on creativity, trust and mutual respect.

As member Saalihah reflects, the impact extends far beyond the sessions themselves. The confidence developed within One Voice influences family life, work, friendships, faith communities and every relationship beyond the group, creating "a ripple effect" that reaches far into the wider community. For the women themselves, continuity matters. They are not participants completing a project but artists, leaders and citizens whose voices continue to shape Verd de Gris Arts and the communities they serve.