The Playmaker’s Open Day on 18th February was a huge success. We were thrilled to see a crowd gathered when we pulled back the curtain, revealing Creative Crawley’s space in Unit 79/80 County Mall transformed into a wonderland of creativity.
There was something for everyone to enjoy and the buzz of excitement was tangible. British-Congolese artist Liz Ikamba of African Night Fever welcomed visitors into the space with a performance of rich and soulful music.
Shreya Kallingal performed Bharatanatym Dance, a classic style of dance from Southern India, then invited audience members to join in and learn some of the graceful, sculptural movements.
Visitors of all ages joined Silvina De Vita at her drop-in art workshop to make magical paper creatures with match-box drawers concealing surprise messages and hidden artworks.
Our more intrepid visitors tried SURGE VR, where they could choreograph their own movement whilst digitally immersed in a futuristic landscape.
With his trusty typewriter, Crawley poet Woodzy turned moments from conversations with visitors into unique custom poems that they could take away with them to treasure forever.
Woodzy at Creative Crawley Open Day, Feb 26, credit Ian Greenland
The event was enjoyed by local community groups including The Butterfly Project and Circles Network, which both support adults with learning difficulties, and Autism Support Crawley.
“A huge thank you to Creative Crawley for hosting such a welcoming, vibrant event. Your team created a space where people could connect, create, and feel part of something special.” Feedback from Circles Network
Delicious samosas and chocolate chip cookies were on hand to fuel the 170+ local people who attended. The atmosphere of the day and variety of activities on offer can be seen in this Picture Special for Sussex Express.
Creative Crawley invites all local people to become Playmakers – volunteers who take part in events such as this open day and have a say in what happens in the Creative Crawley programme. Read more about Playmakers here. If you are interested in becoming a Playmaker, please email [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Lead Image: Shreya Kallingal, Creative Crawley Open Day, Feb 26, credit Ian Greenland
