Strands is a new collaborative light and sound installation inspired by Greater Manchester’s textile heritage, led by Venture Arts, Things That Go On Things, Vicky Clarke, Jonny Godsmark, and Lazerian. 

The project centres around learning-disabled textile artist Florence, whose work explores the concept of ‘home’. Florence has collaborated with sound artist Vicky Clarke—known for her socially engaged practice and innovative use of machine learning and loom recordings to learn sound recording techniques for this installation. Florence has also collaborated with Jonny Godsmark who led a series of workshops with Venture Arts young people to create the lights for the houses. M3 Industries have fabricated the houses and Florence led community workshops across boroughs, where participants created their own fabric ‘homes’ to be integrated into the final installation.

The finished work premieres at Light Night Wigan and Illuminate Oldham, shining a light on this talented learning disabled textile artist and building visibility of diverse creative practice in our region.

Co-created with Wigan Youth Zone participants and Shared Health Oldham participants, and funded by GMCA.