Freedom In Air 
26th April – 25th May 2013
Exhibition – Workshops- Vocal 

The community arts project Freedom in Air, was a series of community-led workshops, vocal event and exhibition Inspired by The Kite Runner (26 April – 18 May). I was commissioned by Nottingham Playhouse and The Cutting Room to collecting the hopes and aspirations of 100 young people of Nottingham.

These were displayed in the form of kites  which were on display in the main foyer of the Nottingham Playhouse for the run of the production.We invited around 100 young people to participate in our free kite making workshop and design their very own symbol of hope for the future.

The vocal event took place on 7th May and was part of Freedom in Air, a series of community-led workshops, debates and exhibitions inspired by The Kite Runner, exploring the innocent voices often lost in wartime. Due to the themes of The Kite Runner this event was suitable for ages 14+.The panel session began in the café where conversations and questions are captured. The panelists questions were provided by children who  participated in the kite making workshops. Key members of the public  attended from a wide range of communities, local police, social workers, academics, refugee organisations, politicians, Afghanistan community group members, charity organisations, international community representatives, artists, residents, students and writers.

Through the art of kite making and fighting the symbolic interpretation of culture, identity and relationships are brought together. Kite making was used  as a basis to facilitate a conversation with the public. Together we discussed their visions for Nottingham and for the people of Nottingham.

The symbolic interpretation of culture, identity and relationships  were brought together to reflect on their hopes and aspirations. I also talked to members from vulnerable and disparate community groups across the city so that the vocal event  brought everyone together to discuss themes of modern day, war time and the impact on the people residing in Nottingham.

DVD 3 Freedom in Air part 1 – 3

 

Panelists are: Nick Hayes (reader in History and Heritage at Nottingham Trent University), Saira Lloyd, (Director of Synapse Arts), Giles Croft, (Director of The Kite Runner Production at Nottingham Playhouse), Skinder Hundal (Chief Executive New Art Exchange) Bashir Herawi, (Nottingham Afghan Association) and Jane Henson (Campaigner for asylum seekers in Nottingham).

A Nottingham Playhouse &The Cutting Room commission for Digital Stage.

Digital Stage

Digital Stage is a Digital Arts Programme by The Cutting Room, a curatorial organisation initiated by Jennifer Ross and Clare Harris, producing events to engage and inspire new audiences through digital new media, film and performance.
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