After 18 months of COVID-19 restrictions, the Festival was one of the first opportunities for people to meet up in real life. Within this context participants developed work exploring and responding to themes of community, mental health and art.
Our Youth Platform members co-created a new piece of work in the shape of a pergola. Its arched structure was layered with Batik, Ankara and other textures and fabrics which have histories in storytelling and craft-based traditions. This created a space for reflection and engagement, asking visitors “How do the arts help us find a community?”.
The work was developed as a result of a 10 week online Youth Platform project, Digital Tapestry, giving young people the opportunity to be part of a collaborative art making process, to learn about sound art and digital art, and to meet new people.