Julia Evangelista: Using Community Arts to Change Lives

In a conversation with Kishmeister on Itch Radio, Julia Evangelista discusses SeeThrough Theatre, the power of community arts and why everyone deserves the opportunity to be creative.

Why Julia Evangelista Calls Herself a Community Artist

For more than three decades, Julia Evangelista has worked across theatre, dance, education and community arts, helping people discover their creativity and tell their stories.

As the Founder and Artistic Director of SeeThrough Theatre, Julia’s work extends far beyond traditional theatre production. Her focus has always been on participation, inclusion and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded from cultural life.

Speaking with Kishmeister on his Beats Theory show, Julia described herself not simply as a theatre-maker, but as a community artist. It is a distinction that reflects the philosophy behind much of her work.

Originally from Brazil and now based in the UK, she has spent years exploring how creativity can bring people together, challenge assumptions and help communities flourish.

The Story Behind SeeThrough Theatre

SeeThrough Theatre was created from a belief that arts and culture should be accessible to everyone.

Throughout her career, Julia has collaborated with organisations including the Barbican Centre, Theatre Centre, Eastside Educational Trust, AfroReggae and People’s Palace Projects. These experiences helped shape her understanding of how creative projects can strengthen communities and give people a voice.

Today, as a result, SeeThrough Theatre uses storytelling, Forum Theatre, collaborative performance-making, improvisation and creative writing to engage people from a wide range of backgrounds.

At the heart of the organisation is a simple but powerful idea: creativity belongs to everyone.

As Julia explained during the interview, every person has a story worth telling and the potential to be creative when given the opportunity.

Bringing Community Arts to People Often Left Behind

One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was access.

Julia spoke passionately about the importance of reaching people who are often overlooked or excluded from cultural opportunities. This includes older people, individuals living in sheltered accommodation and communities that may face barriers to participation.

Importantly, for her, community arts are not about creating performances for audiences alone. They are about creating spaces where people can participate, contribute and feel valued.

Consequently, many of the projects developed through SeeThrough Theatre focus on bringing creativity directly into communities.

This approach helps remove barriers and ensures that participation is available to those who may otherwise miss out.

How Carnival Became a Tool for Wellbeing

One of the most fascinating parts of the interview centred on carnival and its role within community arts.

Julia described carnival as far more than a celebration or public event. It is a collaborative process that encourages people to work together, build relationships and express themselves creatively.

The process of designing costumes, creating performances and sharing experiences helps foster a sense of belonging and collective identity.

Through projects like these, participants often discover skills and confidence they never realised they possessed.

For Julia, creativity is closely connected to wellbeing. Taking part in artistic activities can help people build confidence, develop social connections and find new ways to express themselves.

The Woman Who Found Her Voice Through Carnival

Perhaps the most moving story shared during the interview involved a woman living in sheltered accommodation who became involved in one of Julia’s carnival projects.

At first, she was simply a participant … Over time, however, something remarkable happened.

Through her involvement in the project, she began to see herself differently. She gained confidence, developed relationships and started to embrace her creative identity.

By the end of the project, she was describing herself as an artist.

For Julia, this transformation perfectly illustrates the value of community arts. The project did not simply create a performance. It changed how someone viewed themselves and their place in the world.

The story serves as a powerful reminder that creativity has the potential to unlock confidence, purpose and self-belief.

Why Access to Culture Matters

Alongside her practical work, Julia Evangelista has undertaken extensive academic research into arts, culture and wellbeing.

After completing a Master’s degree in Applied Theatre at Goldsmiths, University of London, she went on to earn a PhD from the University of Warwick in 2022.

Furthermore, her research explored how arts and culture can challenge stereotypes. and disrupt limiting assumptions about what people are capable of achieving.

The findings continue to influence the work of SeeThrough Theatre today.

Throughout the interview, Julia emphasised that culture should not be viewed as a luxury. Access to creativity, participation and self-expression are important parts of a healthy and inclusive society.

When people are given opportunities to create, they are also given opportunities to be seen, heard and valued.

Creating Joy as a Form of Resistance

Another powerful idea that emerged from the discussion was the concept of joy as resistance.

In difficult times, creativity can offer more than distraction. It can provide connection, hope and a sense of possibility.

Julia spoke about the importance of creating spaces where people can experience joy, celebrate their identities and build supportive relationships with others.

This philosophy runs throughout her work, whether she is facilitating workshops, developing theatre projects or working alongside communities to create collaborative performances.

For her, creativity is not simply about producing art. It is about nurturing human connection.

Looking Ahead for SeeThrough Theatre

As SeeThrough Theatre continues to grow, Julia Evangelista remains committed to creating opportunities for participation and cultural engagement.

Her work combines decades of practical experience with academic research, but the focus remains firmly on people.

Looking ahead, whether working with young people, older adults or entire communities, her goal is to ensure that creativity remains accessible, inclusive and meaningful.

The conversation with Kishmeister highlighted the lasting impact community arts can have when people are given the opportunity to participate, contribute and tell their stories.