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Flamboyance...

Adventures in the deep see…

Whitley, South Reading.

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An area of deprivation on the South side of an affluent town, Whitley once had the reputation of being a community that was both hard to engage and lacking in creative confidence.

 

In 2015, the Annual Daydream Harvest rolled up with a van full of junk, half a story, and the dogged determination to unlock the portal to a parallel neighbourhood of unimaginably rich cultural wealth.

 

Funded by Arts Council England, Flamboyance engaged the community in an unfolding and playful conversational odyssey to create an immersive Fact-o-fictional story, written by accident and performed by artists who didn’t even know that they were Artists at all.

I'm deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of this project. It has
completely transformed my life, giving me a new outlook on others and myself, recognising talents that we didn't even know we had. It was liberating to spend time with so many wonderful, creative people working in teams and learning new skills. I think everyone has the ability to be creative and should be given the courage and opportunity to express themselves creatively.

E Van WyckLocal Resident

Nick’s projects are always an incredible experience; a coming together of disparate and unlikely partnerships, between artists, vulnerable or neglected groups, between local individuals, and organisations, to create absolute magic which really does break down boundaries and makes a huge difference to people’s lives.

Jessica Rost - Rost ProductionsArtist and Collaborator

The project has allowed me to explore new creative avenues, get involved in community performance and parades and use my creative strengths to support and enhance the work of others. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is something that is a challenge but, once you have done it, you realise how
much more there is you can do.

Matt FosterMusician and Collaborator

I witnessed how hard-to-reach audiences left their places of safety and familiarity to join Nick and help The Clueseum. Encouraging involvement in the project gave ownership and pride in everything they have contributed to. They belonged to this community. They were part of something bigger.

Julia RogersArtist

We thank Arts Council England for their support.
And most of all we thank the people of Whitley for their humour, enthusiasm and warmth.