It’s wild to think we’re only six months into the OTHER project, and already there are so many unexpected and emerging gems to shout about!
When I started this project, the idea was extremely modest: find new ways to share the creative resources we’d been using with our own kids and their friends—plus, try to unpick the screen-time chaos we parents all seem to be wrestling with. And what an unexpectedly fun and rewarding learning curve it has been! In the emergence of what is now the Stories program, we've traversed worlds—from classic French cinema to baking in Uzbekistan, knotting houses in Kenya to body-popping in NYC. The diversity and creativity have been nothing short of mind-blowing, each week unearthing new ways to connect, create, and celebrate culture across the globe. The journey with the OTHER community has been an inspiration in itself, fuelling this project with the kind of energy that pushes us even further beyond what we first imagined.
But as things evolved, and no doubt fuelled by my concerns as both an art tutor and a returning student, it has become even more clear that what we call our 'art education' systems are simply not designed for, or accessible for the many. Too many rules, too many fees, too much gatekeeping, and digital bureaucracy. Whether it’s geography, money, or just misconceptions about what ‘art’ or ‘creativity’ really means, I believe those walls needn’t exist in this day and age.
And it’s through this crystallisation of insights that I now feel obliged to come out and bring the OTHER vision and ambition front and centre, unashamed:
“To ignite and nurture deep creativity in every individual, worldwide.”
Throughout this short journey, we’ve already learned that the trend for charging fees disguised as subscriptions is just another way of keeping out the very people we want to reach. So, now we’re going all in with the commitment that our weekly Stories program is now FREE for everyone, everywhere, forever. It’s a leap into the unknown, but it needs to be, and we’re confident that with support from kind souls (patrons, donors, the odd grant) and our upcoming OTHER store, this momentum will continue with energy aligned to the vision.
And for those who prefer a quieter space to share kids’ work and exchange experiences, we’ll keep our Substack membership option as that intimate corner—a place to connect more deeply with others, without the noise of public platforms. Meanwhile, the buzzing OTHER Instagram channel (huge shout-out to Yasar for bringing that to life!) will continue to be the place to let loose and share creations with the world.
There’s so much more to share, so stay tuned—more coming soon. And thank you all for being part of this wild and enlightening journey. We couldn’t do this without you and your support!
Love, peace, and a little less chaos,
Ryan x
