Last Friday, IGNITE + CREATE sparked a wave of creative action and opportunity. Marking the finale of the IGNITE Craft–Collaborate–Create series, IGNITE + CREATE brought 50 change-makers in a room charged with inspiration and possibility. A diverse mix of enterprising and emerging voices ignited action in different ways, each bringing fresh and energised perspectives to the stage…
Kat Jones opened with a powerful poem that set the tone for reflection and imagination. Sarah Gregson from Wiltshire Creative shared plans to engage with the creative community in a revitalised agenda for the arts centre, while Megu Ueda introduced bold ideas for murals and graffiti as canvases for community storytelling. Adding to this creative energy, “The Killer Kerb” also found a place.
With inspiration set, the conversation moved toward action. Ali Penfold challenged participants to push past procrastination and turn ideas into reality, while Lewis Plummer of Mostly Harmless demonstrated how taking a simple risk can open new pathways to growth. James Babb shared his ambitions for Level Up Salisbury CIC and plans for an exciting new indoor skatepark. Referencing the football field Rich Lloyd of Blueflame Digital showed us how often the best opportunities can be found in the open space where no one else seems to be. Thanos Zeppos from Brinqq offered three hacks to action, rounding off by encouraging us to “commit out loud.”
Prompted by these wise words, Jamie Lingham aka @caddiejay lifted the room with his thoughtful poetry and the CMB group blew the lid off in a celebration of street rap. The buzz from this finale carried into #fridaydrinks, where more ideas and collaborations took root and are certain to grow.
Wrapping things up, Tim Scrace called for momentum to continue, emphasising how Craft–Collaborate–Create was intended to kickstart a collective movement: “By taking risks, sharing and then acting, it’s clear that we can work together to make something truly transformative.”
Looking ahead, Scrace Architects and the IGNITE collective are building a Community Interest Company, See Space Differently, a platform designed to continue IGNITE’s spirit. Its purpose is to empower people to take ownership of their spaces and their environments through art, architecture and community.
Join the growing community, connect with fellow change-makers, and help us SEE SPACE DIFFERENTLY.
Thanks to RIBA South West, The University of Winchester, and Scrace Architects Ltd, for their support of this event which created a platform for dialogue, experimentation, and ambition.
