MONSTERS AND MUSEUMS: Fantasy Worldbuilding for Adults, 2025 - 2026

For one year, we hosted 30 fantasy worldbuilding workshops and events and designed and distributed four new printed activities through eight events and a network of other organisations.

We aimed to reduce loneliness and isolation, improve confidence, personal expression, communication and mental health, and reduce barriers to a creative education.

We ran workshops at these inspiring locations:

  • Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Dereham

  • Strangers’ Hall, Norwich

  • Bircham Centre, Reepham

  • The Forum, Norwich

  • The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

We supported:

352 activity recipients 

594 engagements

88 workshop participants

and we delivered:

31 new activities

Increased Creativity 

Exploring new perspectives, idea generation, experimentation, creative exploration, and inspiration.

94 hours of activities

600 free printed activities

Our Impact

This data is based on 67 participants who completed our feedback survey.

100% of participants said the workshops positively impacted their wellbeing.

99% of participants said the workshops met their expectations. 1% came with no expectations.

97% of participants said they met their goal.

Participants were asked ‘How did the workshops positively impact your wellbeing?’
We’ve formulated the written feedback into the six most popular themes.

Social Connection

Building friendships with people with shared interests, and reducing isolation.

“I have Autism and adhd. This can cause social anxiety. I have attempted to join classes before and found them intimidating and stressful. At the Wayward Guild the team were so incredibly welcoming and kind. The space was beautiful, quiet and very calm. I felt supported and inspired. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and left full of creative ideas. What a wonderful venture, I am very grateful to have been part of it.” - Holly

“I felt really safe and looked after. It was really inclusive for everyone, and it was relaxed. A really positive experience.”

“They were extremely well run, with a good balance of information/education/creativity. The location was absolutely inspiring - not sure I would have achieved what I did if it was in a less enabling/enriching environment. Also, it was really good to be in a small group.”

Participant Demographics

16% disabled

  • Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery

  • Carrow House, Norwich

  • The Holloway, Norwich

  • The Shoebox Hub, Norwich

  • University of East Anglia

Safe Environment 

Spending time in a non-judgemental space, providing comfort, acceptance, and low pressure activities.

58% LGBTQIA+

82% neurodivergent

Increased Confidence

Increasing self-belief, trying new things, overcoming self-doubt, developing skills.

Routine, structure and purpose 

Enjoying a weekly rhythm, and motivation to leave the house to socialise and be creative.

Creative Thinking and
Confidence Growth

Overcoming creative block with new ways to generate ideas and different approaches to creativity.

Collaboration

Working as a group, sharing ideas, and discussing worldbuilding with likeminded people.

Participants were asked what the best part of the workshops was.
We’ve formulated the written feedback into the six most popular themes.

Practical Skills and Resources

Trying new drawing techniques and creative prompts, and learning new ideas about fantasy worldbuilding.

Environment and
Place-Based Inspiration

Inspiring natural environments, and museums and their artefacts.

Supportive and Inclusive Environment

Feeling safe, encouraged and welcomed in a low-pressure space.

Structured yet Flexible Learning

Guided sessions, with a good balance of freedom and structure.

37% female, 15% non-binary

Emotional Regulation 

Reducing anxiety, and enjoying workshops with a calming effect, mindfulness, and emotional release.

31% aged 30 - 39

60% white British

Gallery of Participants’ Work

  • By Frances Sweeney

  • By Frances Sweeney

  • By Holly Hinton

  • By Holly Hinton

  • By Susi Bauer

  • By Susi Bauer

These workshops are made possible with generous funding from Arts Council England, in-kind support and partnership with Norwich Forum Trust and Norwich Games Festival, and in-kind support from Norfolk Museum Services, the Shoebox Enterprises, and the University of East Anglia’s Student Support Services.