Little People, Big ideas: Workshop with david gilliver

On Saturday 30th May, we gathered at Creative Stirling for “Little People, Big Ideas: Exploring Inclusion Through Miniature Art”, and what a day it turned out to be.

From the very start, it was clear we had a great group of young people in the room. The atmosphere was open, welcoming, and full of energy. Everyone quickly settled in, getting to know each other, sharing ideas, and, most importantly, having fun together. There was a real sense of support in the space, with participants encouraging one another and building confidence as the workshop unfolded.

Led by renowned miniature artist David Gilliver, the session invited participants to think big by working small. Using tiny figures and everyday objects, the group explored themes of identity, inclusion, and belonging. Through thoughtful discussion and creative play, conversations naturally emerged around personal experiences, how we see ourselves, and how we connect with others.

David, as always, delivered a fun and engaging workshop, guiding participants with care and creativity. His approach made it easy for everyone to experiment, take risks, and transform simple materials into powerful visual stories. With his help, these brilliant little people became storytellers of some truly big ideas.

And the results? Incredible (as you can see below).
Participants created a wide range of imaginative and meaningful miniature scenes: each one unique, thoughtful, and full of personality. The work speaks for itself, capturing moments of reflection, humour, and honesty in ways that only miniature storytelling can.

This workshop forms part of our wider Defining Spaces project, funded by Youth Arts Open Fund. It’s a project designed to support young people aged 13-25 who have experienced barriers, discrimination, or marginalisation, offering opportunities to build skills, confidence, and community through creativity.

The pieces created during this session will be displayed in November, alongside other work produced throughout the year, forming a powerful collective exhibition that reflects the voices and experiences of the young people involved.

A huge thank you again to David Gilliver for leading such an inspiring session, and to everyone who took part. Your openness, creativity, and willingness to share made the day what it was: a space where ideas could grow, stories could be told, and everyone could feel seen.

We can’t wait to see where these ideas go next.