We believe in the power of creativity to transform communities and inspire change so we’re thrilled to announce the latest recipients of support from our BOOST programme, designed to bring creative ideas to life in Crawley.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of projects, from dance and theatre to community-driven initiatives that bring people together. Read on to discover the inspiring individuals who are turning their ideas into reality.
Women’s Dance Circle
Crawley resident, Ieva, will use her BOOST to promote her creative practice to encourage new people to join her Womens Dance Circle.
Women’s Dance Circle is a creative space where women connect, find support, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and grace. Rooted in the principles of Argentine Tango, it empowers women to rediscover their femininity, elegance, and inner confidence through the transformative power of music and movement. As we learn to ground ourselves and carry our posture with inner confidence, this guides us in our lives too to approach challenges and relationships with grace, elegance and strength.
For more information, contact [email protected]
Richard W. Symonds
“But there was something rather extraordinary about Friendly Dragon, and it was this …”
Richard W. Symonds [Thinker, Writer and Conservationist] feels lucky – even blessed – to be living in the historic village of Ifield within the ancient Parish – in Crawley, near Gatwick.
Richard has written a children’s book set in his neighbourhood of Ifield and will use his BOOST to allow new audiences to hear the story of the Friendly Dragon. The story celebrates the gift of life and the imagination – a wonderful story of hope, friendship and nature’s magic.
He will work with an actor to develop his storytelling and performance skills to heighten the enjoyment of the story when he performs it in front of audiences around the town. As a strong advocate for inclusivity, the story will be recorded and available for people to watch online with subtitles and BSL interpretation.
Catherine and Anna
Dance artists Catherine and Anna will conduct research and development to support their idea of setting up a pre-professional dance scheme. This initiative aims to establish opportunities and pathways for young people in Crawley to pursue careers in dance. The BOOST support will enable them to make a case study, demonstrating the importance of this initiative and to clarify their vision in order to make it a reality over the coming year.
Ciara Lyons
Ciara is using her BOOST to develop her creative practice, first tested as part of her studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
‘Sing- Along Music Bingo’ is a fun, collaborative musical experience that aims to enhance the lives of adults 60+ living in care home settings across Crawley, West Sussex. The musical workshops are designed to be adaptable and accessible for participants to feel safe and seen while listening to their favourite songs and ticking them off on the tailored ‘Sing- Along Music Bingo’ game sheet. Ciara’s practice aims to encourage wonder through embodied experiences including props, such as musical instruments, fun wigs, funky glasses, blow up microphones and, of course, feather boas.
Wellies
Kim will use her BOOST to develop her original piece of work, Wellies.
Wellies will be a devised play that explores the internal conflict of a protagonist torn between the values inherited from their family and their own evolving sense of self. As they enter adulthood, the protagonist begins to question the beliefs they’ve always held, confronting the tension between loyalty to their family and the desire for personal authenticity. Through intimate dialogue, familial conflict, and moments of self-reflection, Wellies delves into generational conflict and the emotional complexity of navigating one’s identity. The play’s central theme is the courage to forge a new path, breaking free from the expectations imposed by the past.
Kim wants to encourage people from Crawley to take part in rehearsal and development workshops. For more information, please contact [email protected].
