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Traveller's Times

Lovely write up about my new Beyond The Spectrum workshop!

1000 Years

In this collection of poetry, artist and educator Gemma Lees uses both humour and tragedy as she explores herself and her often hilarious, often treacherous journey of forty years not only as a Gypsy, but as an intersectional Northerner. Drawing on experiences growing up in the 80s and 90s including increasing disability, mental health problems, homelessness, the ups and downs of Council Estate life, death and loss, motherhood and turning 40 in a world that tells her she’s past her prime as a woman, 1000 Years and the poems within explore what all of these aspects of her identity mean to her as a whole.

Available to buy for £7.50 from Written Off Publishing.

Beyond The Spectrum Online Writing Workshops

This group is for autistic adults in the North of England. Led by Romany Gypsy poet Gemma Lees, we offer a warm welcome to all — with a special invitation to GRTSB (Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen & Boater) communities.

We offer a special welcome to members of the GRTSB (Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater) communities because these voices are often marginalised — not only in wider society, but also within neurodivergent and creative spaces. GRTSB people who are also autistic may face multiple layers of misunderstanding, exclusion, and stigma, making it harder to access support, representation, or a sense of belonging. By creating a space led by a Romany Gypsy writer, we hope to build trust, visibility, and community — ensuring that GRTSB perspectives are recognised, respected, and celebrated within our shared creative space.

Traveller's Times

Lovely write up about 1000 Years!

Testimonials

"The children have responded so well to working with Gemma, where it has certainly been a highlight of their week! Gemma has always been enthusiastic and shown a real kind and caring manner when working with our children. This partnership with Gemma has had huge benefits with all our community and given children a real insight into a community, which is special to where we live." Matthew Parker, Head of School, Wolvey CofE School (Hidden Stories)

"They were brilliant sessions and the children and teachers really enjoyed and valued the playing, creating and thinking they did. Job well done!" Michelle Temperley, Programme Manager, Young People & Communities, Word Up North & Ilkley Literature Festival

"I love this, the life of Travelling community needs more exposure. This guide is amazing." Jamel Campbell, Early Years Consultant and Educator, Bleu Carrot (Tapestry Guide to GRT Inclusion)

"Working with Queer Britain and phenomenal facilitators like Gemma to positively increase our communities’ representation is truly a moment of realising that you are part of history. Truly an honour and a priceless privilege". Workshop participant, Ruarí McClay (Traveller Pride & Queer Britain)

"This is a great idea that serves specific audiences in the GRT and Neurodiverse communities. The panel were excited to see a show pitched about and for a community that is not generally represented in theatre. Liked the singalong aspect integrated throughout and all of the access considerations. Gemma was very thoughtful to make the production neurodiverse-friendly and interactive." Kate McKeown Projects Manager Mercury Musicals Development (BEAM2023, 'Mind Your Business!')

"There is such a wonderful humour that runs through this play and Gemma's instinct to play with the storytelling and the form of the piece is so interesting. There are also some wonderful details revealed about the characters that have such theatrical potential and will really come to life on stage." Gurnesha Bola, Literary CoOrdinator, Royal Court Theatre ('Mind Your Business!')

"Warwickshire Libraries has been thrilled to work with Gemma to engage with, and unpack, the local history and cultures of GRT communities. Gemma’s research, creativity and hands-on engagement has manifested in meaningful impact with local schoolchildren, families and communities throughout Warwickshire, as well as a superbly informative and fun roadshow that travelled to our libraries and even the Police HQ in Warwick. Gemma has allowed us to open up to, and challenge assumptions about, libraries within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, as well as expand our Local Studies collection to include positive and inclusive narratives about Traveller experiences and impact." Dr Anjna Chouhan, NPO Creative Producer, Warwickshire County Council

"Gemma's writing is invigorating and when performed - sharply executed. She facilitates workshops with generosity, sharing the well-honed skills of her craft and effectively balancing the building of confidence whilst also giving constructive feedback. She encourages groups to critique each other, empowering them as readers and a thinking audience as well as writers and performers. Her administrative ability is a rare bonus too! Dodging the stereotype with ease she is organised, punctual and understands the importance of monitoring. All round one in a million!" Emma Melling, Programme Co-Ordinator, Cartwheel Arts

"Gemma Lees is a popular, engaging and accessible poet whose work and delivery is always a big hit with audiences. An experienced event organiser, workshop leader and compere/host I have no hesitation in recommending Gemma for many kinds of booking." - Tony Walsh, Poet

“Gemma’s distinctive artistic voice and eloquent translation of complex narratives, historical themes, and societal themes is an exemplar for socially engaged theatre, combining a unique blend of cultural awareness, creative innovation, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. Gemma demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for character voice and presentation, working enthusiastically and encouraging and assisting other writers. This demonstrates her community and care-centred practice. She created a consistent and powerful world, showcasing her ability to blend artistic creativity with methodical research, and her commitment to precise and polished work. Gemma proved her exceptional capability as a performer - a writer, composer, actor, and singer and on stage she is compelling, with passionate, authentic performances, and a captivating voice.” Jamie Hale, Artistic Director, CRIPtic Arts, (‘Rollercoaster Dai’)

"Gemma’s background as both an artist and someone deeply attuned to issues positions her as a vital voice in art and advocacy. Gemma’s creative practice is truly inspiring, marked by a unique ability to translate complex social issues into immersive and thought-provoking installations. Her vision for the 'Non-Living Room' project captured our attention because of its potential to challenge perceptions of space, safety and exclusion." - Samra Said, Co-Director & Producer, Arts & Homelessness International

"I have been aware of Gemma and her work for a long time, and I can attest that she is a dedicated and skilled practitioner in whatever she turns her hand to. Based on her many impressive creative projects we were thrilled to invite Gemma to join the cohort of Factory International Fellows in 2024. Gemma met this opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity and passion throughout. She was a delight to have on board at every stage of the process and truly made the most of the opportunity granted to her. Gemma's skill at making work publicly accessible, impactful and open to all is second to none and will be of immense value in future to anyone she partners with or supports." - Punam Ramchurn, Artist Development Manager, Factory International

"Your contribution to the GRTHM events, from crafting sessions to poetry and spoken word performances, has been inspiring and made a real impact. You've helped create safe, welcoming spaces for people to express themselves and connect with their culture, and that’s something really special." - Robin Dark, Calderdale Team Leader, Leeds GATE

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