The coordinator's perspective

16 May 2017

I've been involved with Inclusive Creativity for over two years now, in the role of Project Coordinator. Given the span of the project - across multiple partners and countries - not to mention its ever-evolving strands of work, my role has mainly been to try to keep us all loosely on the same trajectory and more or less within the same timeframe!

In some respects this has been surprisingly straightforward - from a residential in Orkney to a conference in Sweden to a symposium in Derry. On reflection I think that what has driven the success of this project hasn't been a project plan or SMART objectives, but the sheer fizzing energy coming from its creative lead, Frank Lyons and the enthusiasm and willingness to experiment of all participants. Like all great projects, it has become more than the sum of its parts, supported by the freedom and flexibility offered by principal funder, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Along the way, the project has attracted ideas, input and energy, like so many tributaries joining a river. So we arrive at a point where we are about to have a four day programme centred on Inclusive Creativity, 31 May - 3 June 2017; including a symposium, featuring the world's first official performance on the 'Kellycaster', an open rehearsal and the performance of the joint forces of Acoustronic and Benyounes. This is the culmination of the last two years' work. I can still vividly remember one of the very first jamming sessions with the Acoustronic group - and how I was amazed as a piece of ethereal yet clearly structured music came into being within an hour or so. I'm really looking forward to seeing the group in all its glory in June. 

KEYWORD TAGS: Aran Browning composer

FUNDERS

Calouste Gulbenkian foundation
British Council
PRS