Wild Hampshire The Grange Festival 2024

Designer and teacher

In collaboration with University of Winchester, The Wild Hampshire project showcased Professor Paul Sowden’s investigation into nurturing creativity across primary education. Part of the University’s three-year creativity collaborative research funded by Arts Council England, the aim is to empower children, fostering confidence, curiosity, and develop imaginative problem-solving.

Led by an outstanding creative team, 350 children from eleven primary school groups explored their local Hampshire sustainability challenges. From the loss of local woodlands and fields to the Solent coastline and our unique chalk streams, they discussed and debated the environmental challenges. Using music, creative writing, design and dance as vehicles for expression, they shared their opinions and ideas for a more sustainable future.

The project culminated with the children’s original songs, designs and choreographed dances filling our Grange Theatre to celebrate their learning and creativity.