Open Lab

From Vacant to Vibrant: Reimagining Basildon’s High Street

CLIENT

Arts Council England

Like every town in the country, Basildon was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. In a bid to support recovery efforts we handed over the keys to seven vacant units, commissioning wild and wonderful creative organisations to reimagine the spaces and turn the town centre into a cultural playground, encouraging residents to explore the area in a new way.

Working with landowners across the town centre, we secured 6-week leases and in-kind support to the value of £223,000 to support over 650 hours of free events and workshops for the public to enjoy; the final programme line-up was chosen by the community via a series of online polls and decision-making events, ensuring that local people were truly driving the project and choosing the activity THEY wanted to see in Basildon.

From interactive music machines and projection mapped mystical creatures, to a spoof art gallery, a mass fingerprint portrait, and a rainbow business entirely run by kids, Open Lab opened Pandora’s Box to a world of creative possibilities that had never been seen in Basildon before.

A splash was made and Open Lab proved that culture has the power to challenge perceptions, drive footfall into the High Street and support economic regrowth – all whilst having fun!

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‘Open Lab played a key role in my transition from working in insurance for 15 years to becoming a full-time Artist and Illustrator. The opportunity and practical experience gave me great confidence as I was making that leap. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement I received during the project and I hope it can serve as inspiration to others trying to pursue their artistic journey. ’

– Mike Young, Founder of Family Scribbles

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