Buglight Theatre WERE funded by ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND AND DONCASTER CREATES TO RUN OUR PILOT PROJECT, CREATE SPACE. THE PILOT TOOK PLACE IN AN EMPTY SHOP IN FRENCHGATE, DONCASTER WE HOPE TO TAKE THE CONCEPT ACROSS YORKSHIRE FOR A LONGER TERM PROJECT

‘Create Space’ is for everyone. It might pop up in empty shops, unused spaces, high streets and community centres. We will base ourselves in a spot over 6 weeks and deliver workshops, connect artists, exhibit work, create games, devise and perform theatre and generally be a blast of colour, fun, audience building and making.

It is ‘on the ground’ – all day. It can hear what the local community think, want and need. It provides a programme of creative activity and it consults with people who come in, join in, or simply pass by.

This project will:

• Pilot a culturally democratic approach to empower Doncastrians to engage creatively on their own terms

• Increase footfall and liven a struggling public space

• Use non-invasive, engaging techniques to collate audience data

• Employ a new local Artist Facilitator each week to lead activities, supported by Buglight’s Artistic Director, Keeley Lane

• Promote community skills development and discuss local cultural provision

• Directly address social isolation and struggling public services caused by covid-19 and austerity

• Rectify covid-19’s restrictions to Doncaster’s usual cultural provision with hands-on creativity