After the finale of the collaboration between Imagineer, Orit, and Appetite in March 2023. It was clear from the engagement through the work of the projects that there was a range of interest from residents, communities, and partners to do more projects that talk directly about community development, creativity, growing, sustainability, and the environment. It’s all outlined in our story so far.

Gemma, I, was completely inspired by the partnership, the exploration, and the opportunity to do more. Often others can lead with the next steps, however, in this instance, it felt right for us to create Brilliant Bamboo CIC. Gemma gathered colleague and experienced director, Susan Clarke and financial auditor Matt Davies to join.

Since then, we’ve been working hard with a range of people, partners, formal and informal networks and developing connections locally, nationally, and internationally keeping our vision and mission in mind.

We’ve stayed connected to the #ImagineBamboo project as it works in places across England. We’ve worked with the Creative Director Orit Azaz to develop a UK Bamboo Group. The Imagine Bamboo team has been busy delivering projects in Liverpool, Wye Valley, Nuneaton and Bedworth and with circus company NoFit State. More about their explorations to come and on their websites.

We’ve worked with artists and designers to develop our brand identity, develop plans for real and imagined sites, and much more. We’ve been reading to get the broader context of working in climate, environment, community, and global themes. I’d recommend the following to start, and our bookshop (that has a % commission that contributes to our company) here. We’ve curated a couple of shelves – but you can buy any book to support us through it.

We had brilliant support from individuals to support our start through our GoFundMe, and some seed funds thanks to TopCashback Sustainability through the Community Foundation for Staffordshire. We’re working hard to develop further funding applications and to have an offer for businesses that have corporate and social responsibility within their businesses. To see how you can support visit our Support Us Page (make underlined a link to that page please).

We’ve been experiencing all the challenges and opportunities of being a new company and social enterprise and we’re excited to develop our work in the upcoming weeks, months, and years. We’ve got ambition for social and environmental good – we’d love you to join us. (contact page)

Our LinkedIn and Instagram will have more regular and short-form updates.

Thank you for joining us on our adventure.