Our Story
In the Christian faith, ‘Talitha Cumi’ or “little girl, arise” comes from the gospel of Mark.
When Jesus of Nazareth heard of the death of a young girl, he ran to her, took her by the hand and said, “Talitha Cumi”
"Little Girl, Arise."
Miraculously, the young girl got up and began to walk.
This sentiment is at the heart of Talitha Arts.
Through specialised workshops which encourage creativity and self-expression, Talitha seeks to empower individuals and help vulnerable communities to "arise". Using art as a catalyst for positive change.
Renewing Hope. Restoring Dignity. Releasing Potential.
Our Vision
We believe that freedom of personal innovation and creativity can build bridges of hope for lives that have been crushed by oppression, exploitation and abuse.
Our Mission
We exist to serve individuals and communities by bringing restoration, transformation, and freedom to their lives. We believe in the unique value of the individual and offer unconditional positive regard and choice to all participants. We foster a sense of creativity and engagement throughout the process and believe in giving each participant the opportunity to go at their own pace in the context of a supportive, contained environment.
Talitha Arts was founded by actor and activist Amanda Root. It began as a small volunteer organisation, primarily facilitating arts workshops for International Justice Mission in India and working with professionals in aftercare homes for girls rescued from trafficking and violent abuse.
Over the years our work has grown to working directly with those who have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, homelessness; ex-offenders, refugees, children, and those who are living with dementia.
Every year as part of our mandate, we train artists and therapists in the Talitha Approach. Our approach is 'person-centred', meaning it is tailored to the individuals we serve. Our practitioners are both professional creative artists and arts therapists who are passionate about the Talitha Mission.
Like the roots of our organisation and each individual we work with, at Talitha Arts we are constantly growing, shifting, evolving - arising.
We work from a 'person-centred' ethos that enables and focuses on the individual.
Introducing Talitha's patron, Tim McInnerny
Please support Talitha in any way you can - it does change people's lives.
Tim has starred in numerous stage and screen productions, including Blackadder and Notting Hill, and has graced the stage in lead roles at the National Theatre and with the RSC. We are delighted that he has agreed to become Talitha Arts’ first patron, not least as he believes passionately in the healing and restorative powers of the Creative Arts.