Dare2Dream

Dare2Dream saw four young people given a grant of up to £1000 to develop and test their own creative and social action projects with mentoring, and support throughout. Dare2Dream is about trying things out, learning as you go, and creating change together. 

Dare2Dream is generously funded by Children in Need. 

Read about the participants below and how to get involved in their unique projects. 

Jemima Gordan 

I believe we're living in a time of reduced embodiment, where creativity is automised and silliness squashed. I'm interested in how AI and digitalisation could encourage humans to return to our humanness, focus on philosophy, creative thinking and, above all, return back to our physical form. I think, as Schiller agrees, the key is play. Interweaving dance and movement into day to day lives to facilitate an altered mind state of flow and presence rather than optimisation and efficiency. What games can we play with ourselves throughout the day to stay open-minded and engaged with the world? 

Project Created: Living Spaces  

Living Spaces is designed to bring playful colour and movement into the local area. The piece consists of an abstract series of flowers arranged in a hopscotch inspired trail, inviting passersby to step, skip, and engage physically with the space. It encourages people to reconnect with their bodies and reimagine how we move through public environments, fostering creativity in everyday activity.   

The project will be developed in collaboration with local artists, with the aim of enhancing space through colour, movement, and increased community engagement, contributing to a greater sense of vibrancy and safety. 

Take Part

Come and add to the installation by stencilling and colouring in the ground! All ages welcome.  

Monday 1 June, 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Giffin Square, Deptford, SE8 4RJ 

Funto Akarakiri 

I care about healthy eating and improving our well-being, especially as the internet is becoming increasingly accessible and more addictive, meaning that people are spending less time offline and giving themselves space to breathe / relax. 

Project Created: Cultured Platters

Roots to Bloom will bring young people together in person to engage in mystery cooking courses. We will also explore Lewisham’s rich cultural diversity through food, sharing recipes, and favorite eateries! Maybe even turning this into a public map.  

Take Part

Mystery Cooking Courses  

Join us for an interactive, hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a surprise cuisine, meet new people, and enjoy the meal together. Ingredients and equipment will be provided. 

• The course cost is covered, but we ask participants to pay a £10 deposit.
• There are only 5 spots available on each course!
• This opportunity is for 18–25-year-olds only  

2 courses available 

• Friday 22 May, 6:15 to 8:45pm, Central London (exact address to be revealed)
• Tuesday 30 June, 6:15 to 8:45pm, Central London (exact address to be revealed) 

Javarn Nnoli 

I care about giving marginalised young people a platform to utilise creativity as a tool to combat trauma and issues they have experienced in their lives. I would like to change the stigma around young people being unequipped or inexperienced to be able to be successful, as young people are extremely intelligent and are essentially the future of the generation. 

Project Created: ECHO talent show  

Unleash Your Talent! Are you a singer, rapper, dancer, actor, or musician? Join us for the Echo Talent Show! It’s free to participate, build your confidence, and perform on stage. Scan the Be You. Be Loud. Be Heard. 

Take Part

Performer's introduction and workshops:

• Tuesday 26 March , 2:30pm to 6:30pm - The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG

Final Performance – all welcome to watch

• Saturday 30 May, 12:00pm, Goldsmiths University  

Cara Mensah 

I care about poetry; I'd like to change young people's approach/attitudes towards different kinds of creativity. 

Project Created: In The Making 

We provide you with the opportunity to really ask yourself these important questions ; 'Why am I critical of my art ?' + 'Why is it important to make art in times like these ?' , etc. 

We are an event space for people of all ages to get back in touch with creativity and through that, themseleves and others. 

Our aim is to make space for artists that the world may try to place in boxes. It is focused on learning about the process, progress and you - the artist. 

In the making is all about you and your artistic process'. 

This is a space where perfection, stress, worry and the outside world can dissolve, as you dive into activites such as : 

• An open discuussion on why we as creatives tend to be our 'own worst critic'.
• A writing workshop.
• Poetry performance(s) from attendees.
• Visual arts - Painting, Drawing. 

Take Part

In The Making – Workshop and Exhibition 

Friday 29 May, 12:00 to 8:00pm, The Orange Room, 275 High Street, London, E15 4QZ