Creative talents collaborate on 'amazing' Kettering multi-arts immersive experience

Giant fabric strawberries, huge paper dandelions, flashing seed heads and an immersive ultraviolet kaleidoscope are some of the creations on display at a pop-up Kettering gallery.

Members of Picture the Difference (PtD) – a creative and performing arts project for people with additional needs – will welcome hundreds of visitors to the fortnight-long exhibition.

Based on the theme ‘Seeds of Potential’ PtD participants have collaborated with Isebrook School students and local artists that sees the culmination of a year’s creative work.

Zoe Martin, creative director and PtD founder, and her team will host groups of school children at the Lottery-funded multi-arts immersive experience.

She said: “We want people to come on down and see the amazing artwork, listen to our amazing music and videos, and play an original board game.

"It’s all about finding our good soil – as a seed with legs where you want to plant yourself to grow and fulfil your potential – and that’s the message."

More than 300 pupils from local primary schools have booked in to take part in the education days. A large gazebo has been erected inside the William Knibb Centre’s main hall and a dance studio has been transformed into a mesmerising day-glo forest.

Commissioned artwork by local artist Stella Benford and portraits by photographer Sam Scott Hunter are on display alongside music, videos, cartoons and a board game. Food provided by The Raj restaurant and Café Amore will be offered for tasting. School children will be given a goodie bag that includes a recipe book.

Ms Martin said: “It’s a fun and inclusive event for all the family.

"We do have one session left if anyone with 30 students would like to attend on Friday, July 14 from 9.35am to midday – just get in touch. There’s so much to see and do and they won't go away empty-handed.”

Drop-in sessions take place from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday, July 6, Friday, July 7, Wednesday July 12, Thursday July 13 and Friday July 14 at The William Knibb Centre, Montagu Street, Kettering NN16 8AE

The exhibition has been funded by Historic England and the National Lottery.

For tickets go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seeds-of-potential-a-multi-arts-immersive-experience-tickets-659895062897?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR2WYhwlk9eVRo-IkQPfoxhqGZPzM7Ci0Cz94PNYYvAsBVAJAakRYkVNt1I or email [email protected].