Over the course of six powerful workshops with RAPAR, participants came together to explore writing and visual storytelling as part of the Hard Pressed project by Cultureword. Guided by Mahboobeh Rajabi, the group immersed themselves in the publication Small Rocks (2010), using its themes as inspiration to reflect on deeply personal and political subjects. From human rights and the asylum process to peace, love, and freedom, the sessions created space for both critical thought and creative freedom, allowing each participant to voice their truth.

The workshops weren’t just about the written word—they also introduced animation as a visual language. Participants experimented with stop-motion techniques to bring their stories and ideas to life, turning their poetry and reflections into vivid, moving artworks. The animations—eight in total—touched on themes such as love, flowers, systems, and resilience, acting as beautiful extensions of the group’s writing. For many, this was their first time working in this medium, and the result was a bold fusion of digital art and creative expression.

Working on this series was as much about process as it was about outcome. Through writing and animation, the group built not only skills, but community. They shared lived experiences, discovered new forms of expression, and found joy in creating together. The stop-motion animations became powerful tools for telling stories that too often go unheard—each frame layered with intention and meaning. For Mahboobeh Rajabi, who led the sessions, the experience was deeply rewarding, blending her roles as writer, facilitator, and digital artist to support others in finding their voice through both word and image.

Participants are so proud of their animations and it also meant a lot for us to visualise their incredible writing and message into powerful animations.

These animations will soon be shared as part of Mapping Manchester’s Radical Presses, celebrating the legacy and future of independent, activist publishing in the city. The Hard Pressed workshops are a shining example of how creative practices can hold space for reflection, resistance, and joy. RAPAR workshops continued in 2025 from Feb – March following more creative writing looking at home country, identity and living in the UK, because the participants wanted to continue hearing also more about her hometown and their culture using creative writing as a tool to write creatively both in their language and I English, led by Dipali Das.

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible, and to the brilliant participants who brought their visions to life so boldly.