A new audio series showcasing Slough’s grassroot art communities has officially started airing on BBC Radio Berkshire. The series, produced by Creative Lives on Air, aims to highlight the everyday creativity happening in our town as part of the Slough Cultural Revival Project.
Since being established as a charity in 1991, Creative Lives has been dedicated to championing community-led creative activity on a local and national level. From grant programmes and policy research to local community initiatives, their projects have supported creative groups across the country by boosting their visibility and increasing local engagement and volunteering.
Creative Lives on Air, a unique project delivered in partnership with local BBC Radio stations, started off in Merseyside and has gone on to include projects in Coventry, Sheffield, London, Reading and now Slough.
In a recent interview with the local producer for the series, Abhi Arumbakkam, she explained how the project had transformed her perspective on Slough’s creative scene. “My goodness! My mind has completely opened to the vibrant creative activity happening on the ground in Slough. It’s only when I visited and really looked at the work they’ve done that I realised the enormous impact they are having on their beneficiaries.”
Abhi’s work has involved connecting with several groups such as SWIPE, Knit your Socks off, Beat Routes, capturing their work through audio interviews with staff, volunteers and participants. By visiting workshops and events held by these local groups Abhi has had the opportunity to capture the unique atmosphere created by everyone involved.
When talking to attendees Abhi found the positive impact of these activities went beyond learning a new creative skill but it gave attendees a sense of belonging. She was particularly touched to find how deeply people felt local creative groups had helped them overcome personal challenges and try something new.
Highlighting that the enthusiasm of participants was palpable, with each interview revealing the deep appreciation for the continuous efforts of these creative groups to uplift our community. From an elderly resident whose “heart sings” every time she attends an All Roads Slough Stories session, an Art Classes Group attendee now having an “overriding desire” to paint daily, to a young singer finding their voice at The Curve’s monthly Slough On the Mic.
“I hope that there is a sense of pride in belonging to a group in this town … whoever listens to BBC Radio Berkshire realises the wealth of joyous community creativity that happens on the ground in Slough.”- Abhi
With organisations like Creative Lives helping to shine a spotlight on local talent, it’s becoming impossible to ignore the remarkable strides Slough’s growing creative community is making across the town and surrounding areas. With a creative scene as vibrant and nurturing as Slough’s, and a community always ready to show up and support it, our town is well on its way to becoming a prominent Creative and Cultural Hub for all.
