Silver

Hello, Richard from LACE here. Here is a video I made as part of the Luton presentation:

Four of us met in Luton yesterday to give our presentation to the selection panel for the artists Taking the Lead project. Despite the occasion in the event I think all of us really enjoyed the experience. We were joined by Gill Lloyd , Director of Artsadmin who gave us added gravitas and assurance - thank you Gill!

This image was one of several shown during our presentation.

We await the outcome, but in the meantime several members of LACE are now planning their trip to Chester to the Up The Wall festival towards the end of this month.

Out and About: LACE in Southend

Lace artists have been out and about in the East of England testing out some of the ideas we have that relate to 'Hop, Step and Jump' and gathering feedback from the general public about some of the issues and ideas at the heart of our project:

• Re-imaging hopscotch for the 21st Century: thinking of all the ways in which the game could be played and what could replace the traditional elements of the chalked court and the stone

• Using hopscotch to combine sport with art

• Archiving the memories people have of playing the game

• Making it more accessble and user-friendly

• Getting people involved: encouraging physical interaction

Most recently there was a LACE stall at Metal's 'Village Green' event in Southend on Saturday 26th September. Artists Vicki Weitz, Dot Howard and Holly Darton ran a series of interactive interventions including races, dressing up, drawing and poetry.

Here are some of the photographs documenting the days events:

We are all working hard towards our presentation on Monday 5th October to the selection panel for the Artists Taking the Lead project. Its been fun too, several of us have been out and about to capture images and talk to the public about what hopscotch could be. The imaginative responses have convinced us even more that this is something EVERYONE can identify with. Dot drew a hopscotch court near her home and soon realised not only were young people using it but older people were striking up conversations about the hopscotch they remembered in their youth.

One thing we have been considering is how hopscotch can be as relevant and enjoyable for all ages. As a result we have looked at a table top version of the game that could be played in pubs, clubs and care homes across the region.

Five of us will present to the panel. It all takes place in Luton so we will converge there in time for a quick run through before our afternoon slot. and then it is fingers crossed time.....