Bay Create is a new project that uses creativity and coastal landscapes to bring under 25s and over 60s together united in the idea that:
‘We are more similar than we are different.’
Whitley Bay Big Local has been awarded a £100,000 grant from the London 2012 legacy funder, Spirit of 2012, to run Bay Create for two years. The fund was created and awarded by Spirit of 2012’s youth panel, made up of young people from across the UK.
Every two years, Spirit of 2012’s Youth Advisory Panel manages a fund from design and development through to selection. This year, they wanted to fund creative projects working with younger and older people in coastal communities, taking inspiration from natural landscapes.
Bay Create stood out to the judges for its knowledge of Whitley Bay communities, exciting local partnerships and creative vision. Sana Amin, Chair of the Spirit of 2012 Youth Advisory Panel said: “The YAP Challenge Fund pushes the boundaries of what is possible in creating meaningful change. I’m so proud to be part of the YAP, who have demonstrated creativity, resilience and passion in working to ensure the chosen project is innovative, inclusive and reflects the fund. I’m excited to be part of Bay Create’s journey in connecting generations and improving the wellbeing of communities.”
In partnership with Barnardo’s the BASE at Whitley Bay, Bay Create brings together local residents from different generations for cultural projects inspired by the landscape and shared heritage of Whitley Bay.
Participants and volunteers will co-design and lead Bay Create, working with artists through creative projects and activities that explore and reflect what Whitley Bay means to different generations.
Whilst the Challenge Fund was created before the pandemic, the project proposal has been adapted to meet the needs of the communities involved, with timescales and delivery models carefully considered.
Sarah Sutton, Community Involvement Coordinator at Whitley Bay Big Local said: “This funding is an exciting opportunity for our two organisations to work in partnership. We look forward to bringing together members of our diverse community through the connections that we share through living in this beautiful coastal town”.
Sue Curry, Children’s Service Manager at Barnardo’s said: “Everyone at our service The Base in Whitley Bay is pleased to be part of this imaginative intergenerational art project. We are really looking forward to working with Big Local and we are grateful to the Spirit of 2012’s Youth Advisory Panel for awarding the grant.”
