James was a successful applicant in our most recent round of BOOST, a programme we run offering cash and in-kind support to new creative ideas for Crawley. Here, James shares his motivations for applying and what the experience was like.
‘My idea to teach floristry and other creative workshops around Crawley naturally evolved alongside Creative Playground after we met, shared creative passions, and was encouraged to share this with the local community! Once planning, preparing and teaching Christmas Wreath workshops last winter, I felt inspired to keep sharing; seeing how much I learnt and connected with people, and equally how much other people enjoyed it and took away a new creative experience.
A Crawley resident making a flower crown with James’ guidance
I was attracted to take part in BOOST so that I could build on what I started by securing funding for a foundation which I could keep using in the future; from tools and equipment to more social connections and opportunities around Crawley. I found the process very uplifting and empowering; artistic industries can be tricky to break into as well as financially undervalued, so to know that there is a charitable organisation focusing on helping local artists and equally helping the town become a more creative place with growing creative opportunities, has given me faith in myself and my place in the community, as well as a boost of hope for the future too. BOOST has also helped me embrace my skills more confidently, has made me feel valued and supported, and has inspired me by knowing there are people in Crawley who want to support others in this way!
James stewarded with Creative Playground at the Lake Festival 2024. Image©www.iangreenland.uk
The whole experience so far has been beyond beneficial for me, as the thought of teaching a workshop felt very scary previously (but was always something I dreamed of being able to do). To then be encouraged by the friendly and helpful Creative Playground team, who gave me the opportunity to actually bring this to life, has been a massive confidence boost as a person, let alone as an artist. On top of this, seeing the response of the local people from Crawley who have attended my workshops has been heartwarming and almost overwhelming; from people saying how therapeutic they found wreath-making, to compliments to me as a teacher which I wasn’t expecting, as well as getting to bring a different natural art form that lots of people are unaware of. Trying new things has become one of the most exciting & inspiring parts of my life, which reflected in others during this too.
James is a talented florist, see more on his Instagram account Flour & Flowers Image©JamesFensom
If I was sharing advice for anyone who wants to apply for a BOOST, I would say go for it! Communicate your natural passion; the Creative Playground team is here to help and encourage local arts. The advice and social connections offered are invaluable to anyone: whether you’re starting from scratch and need help with branding, marketing and budgeting, or you’re growing a local business or group who are looking for more social connections, opportunities and help bringing their ideas to life within our community, to funding and more.
James ran a very busy Flower Crown Workshop at Crawley Pride 2024
My future plans are to keep creating and connecting, through more workshops of different kinds (like my Flower Crown making workshop at Crawley Pride), bringing more artistic opportunity & fun to Crawley, for myself and for the local community.
James, Flour & Flowers‘
The next round of BOOST kicks off on Thursday 12 September.
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