Theatre Bath, Bath Spa Uni and a number of other local organisations are joining forces to help communities come together and realise Joan Littlewood’s dream of Fun Palaces.
Fun Palaces are based on an original concept by Joan Littlewood (of Oh What A Lovely War fame).
Her idea was to create a community space where both the arts and science could come together and people could come along, free-of-charge and participate in the events and learn from others in their communities.
Last year Stella Duffy and her Fun Palaces team successfully enabled communities to hold their own Fun Palaces across the country and the project was a resounding success.
This year they are hoping to build on their successes and have even more Fun Palaces happening throughout the country.
This year there are plans for Bath to be involved as well.
Luke John Emmett of Theatre Bath said: “I love the idea behind the Fun Palaces concept. The idea that communities can open their doors to everyone and share ideas and skills and learn from each other, it’s an incredibly empowering thing to do.
“A lot of people have asked us what exactly Fun Palaces are and it’s not an easy thing to define.
“The best way to describe it is if you went to a Fun Palace you may go into a community centre or a school and there would be a band performing onstage, at some point during their set the musicians would leave the stage and audience members would get a chance to go up and play the instruments and learn from the musicians.
“Therefore everyone is an audience member but also everyone is a participant and gets to try out learning a new skill.
“There may also be someone in a corner creating pottery or painting and likewise you would be able to jump in and have a go at that.
“The important thing is that Fun Palaces are free and bring a wide range of different members of the community together to work and play and it’s absolutely crucial that adults realise that they are also allowed to play as well.
“You’re never too old to learn new skills and have fun.”
Stella Duffy said: “When I first started talking to people about this idea, in January 2013, I thought maybe half a dozen venues might want to join in.
“I’ve been astonished by the huge groundswell of enthusiasm and goodwill towards the idea.
“We’ve discovered as we’ve progressed that what we’re doing is unearthing what is already happening in many communities, and encouraging a desire to do more.
“Through social media and events we’ve held all over the UK, we’ve been able to connect individuals who want to be creative as well as community groups that are doing similar work but have had no idea of each other’s existence.
“We really believe the Fun Palaces are playing a role in deepening the bonds of the communities in which they are taking shape; both for Fun Palace makers, and ultimately for anyone who attends the big weekend.
“The Fun Palaces campaign offers an opportunity to celebrate Joan Littlewood’s belief in the creative genius of all people, both nationally and simultaneously. ”
Fun Palaces is an ongoing campaign for culture at the heart of community, with an annual weekend of simultaneous events every October.
In 2015 the dates are the 3rd and 4th of October. Around the country, local people will be gathering to make and share arts, sciences, learning, games and FUN – this workshop is your chance to find out more and share the skills needed to make it all happen.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a Fun Palace (and experts are allowed to make Fun Palaces too, if they want), and your Fun Palace can be as tiny or huge as you like.
A Fun Palace workshop is taking place in Bath on Tuesday 7th July from 6:30-9:30 at Burdall’s Yard, BA1 5NH.
The event is free, but it’s advised to book your place as space is limited – http://fpworkshopbath.eventbrite.co.uk.
