New Commission - The Journey From Here to Now
New Commission - The Journey From Here to Now
Junction Arts has commissioned Adverse Camber to work with two local schools and a youth group to co-create a performance that will be shared as part of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival on Sunday 28 July and the Tapton Lock Festival on Sunday 8 September.
The artwork can be seen in the window of one of the new units in the Elder Way building. Entitled ‘We are all artists and creators’, the artwork includes original illustrations, which frame a stunning collection of lanterns that have been made by the local community over the last three decades, for the annual Bolsover Lantern Parade. People can see the display in the window located opposite the Co-op Bank, which is best viewed in the evening when the lanterns are lit up – over 7000 lights have been used to bring the artwork to life.
The window was designed by Chesterfield artist and Junction Arts board member Lucie Maycock, who has a personal connection to the building. Lucie’s Mother, Karen Maycock was the Display Supervisor for the Co-op, dressing the windows at the old department store for over 30 years before it closed. Karen has been on hand to help Lucie with the design, revisiting her old place of work to ensure that the window display is perfect.
Lucie said: “When Junction Arts asked me to create the window display on Elder Way in the old Co-op building, I was excited by the idea. Not just about the project itself but the link to my Mum and her career as a window dresser in the same building. I grew up seeing my Mum in the windows of this beautiful department store, I remember walking home from school via town to see if I could see her and knock on the window to say hi and show all my friends that this is what she did as a job.
Over the next few weeks, storyteller Pyn Stockman, visual artist, Khadijah from Generous Waste and musician, Ann Jones will be working with Clowne Junior School, Sharley Park School (Chesterfield) and Blend Youth Group who meet in Barrow Hill, Chesterfield.
All the participating young people, schools and groups will be sharing their ideas and story threads with Pyn, Ann and Khadijah to help create a performance together. They will be creating songs and devising a 20-minute performance which will include banner making and flags, and will happen as a promenade performance at both events in which audience members can also participate if they choose.
So far, they’ve learned about places in the local area that are special, and some fascinating facts about history and heritage, as well as dreams for the future. Everything will be woven together and we’re looking forward to the performances coming soon.
Junction Arts Project Manager Jane Wells said: “All the children and young people have engaged so well with the artists and we’re excited to see what stories, music and artwork they create. We commissioned Adverse Camber because we know how skilled they are, encouraging and bringing out the best in everyone they work with.”
Shannon Collins, a teacher at Sharley Park Community Primary School said after their workshop “Thank you so much for today. Both artists, Pyn and Khadija, were absolutely amazing and the kids have had a fantastic day!”
More details about the project will be shared on our social media channels but here are the dates and times:
“The Journey from Here to Now”
A family friendly story & music adventure with lots of opportunities to join in!
Chesterfield Children’s Festival
Queens Park, Chesterfield
28 July
11am & 1.30pm
Free event
Find out more
Tapton Lock Festival
8 September
More details to follow