Award-winning female-led creative company Anagram, launch innovative public art project, which looks to the future of Shakespeare’s hometown
For centuries, Stratford-upon-Avon has celebrated its illustrious status as the hometown of William Shakespeare. But what’s it like to be a local resident, sharing a town with millions of visitors from all over the world? What might the future look like?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company have commissioned an innovative artistic project that explores the experiences and perspectives of local people. I See the Future is a bold piece of ‘playable’ public art that will temporarily transform the landscape of Stratford. Created in collaboration with the local community, two giant pairs of interactive binoculars will curiously appear in the town over the weekend of 6-8 September. The Shakespeare Jubilee is considered to be the event that established the Shakespeare tourism industry as we know it today. Shakespeare and Garrick were visionaries, and they were instrumental in shaping Stratford. But what could the future look like for the people of this town now? Residents of all ages and backgrounds will be invited to contribute their hopes, dreams and imaginings for the future in a series of creative workshops this summer. Their collective vision will come to life in stunning augmented reality inside the large-scale binoculars for people to interact Louisa Davies, head of creative programme at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and producer on the Creative Producers International cohort, said, “The 250th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the town’s history feels a Geraldine Collinge, director of events and exhibitions at the Royal Shakespeare Company, said: “We are thrilled to be developing a new commission in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Creative Producers International for the 250th anniversary of the Garrick Jubilee. I See the Future is an exciting opportunity for our local community to come together and imagine what’s next for their Stratford and to work with the amazing artists Anagram.” Local people are invited to contribute their ideas at the interactive workshops, which take place in July. Full details will be announced in the local press and on social media. Follow @ShakespeareBT and @TheRSC for updates. |