Places and Dreams - Luton Council

Illustrated bench for Luton Council and Flying Start, Luton - “Places and Dreams” is a Talking Takes Off project. The bench was the culmination of a series of speech development focused zoom workshops with pre-school children during which I live drew the words and actions of the children. Combined with drawings created during and after the workshops, I translated the children's contributions into a design which was applied to the bench using paper stencils. Every part of the design on the bench is developed from a drawing or idea from participating children. Project aims: - Participating children could recognise their own artwork and feel included in the design process. - Facilitate conversation between local children and adults to create conversations and stories. - To be enjoyed by all members of the community as a piece of public art. The COVID-19 crisis has meant many creative children’s engagement projects, ideas and investments have slowed down or stopped. Specifically designed to develop communication skills in early years children and to promote communication between children and between children and their families, children are able to recognise themselves and their ideas in the artworks, creating a sense of pride in them and their families; improving civic pride and community participation. Photos shared with permission of parents and carers.