From February to March 2025, Brilliant Bamboo worked with Middleport Matters and those in the Middleport area as part of the #DiscoverMiddleport project to co-create a new piece of bamboo sculpture and furniture with artist, Spencer Jenkins.
Middleport residents were some of the first to work with Bamboo as part of Imagine Bamboo for North Staffordshire, so it was great to be back and working with the community and visitors to the area.
The project included:
Spencer meeting residents of Middleport at their regular sessions to shape the design of the artwork and bench that lead to the creation of Sandra’s Story.
Hands-on sessions with Francesca Wheeler, where people go to make instruments and dens.
And a celebration of our research and work together with our first Bamboo Block Party on Saturday 29 March, which included:
- Bespoke screen print design for the project by Rob Fenton and activity delivered with Kirsty Smith.
- Unveiling of Sandra’s Story and the cushions made by the Middleport Group: Stitched Up.
- Messages to Nature
- The rebuild of the Brilliant Bamboo Dome created with Atelier One, Brilliant Bamboo Masterclass artists and University of Staffordshire, School of Architecture students.
- Global sounds DJ set by Paul Rogerson.
- Free ice cream and refreshments from the Hubb Foundation.
For more details on all our live projects or to see them unfolding, follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.
This project is a part of the #DiscoverMiddleport by Middleport Matters project through Stoke-on-Trent City Council and is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding.
Project Manager, Sally Malkin. Bamboo Block Party Production Support by PH Production Services.
Photographs at the activities by artists or team for Bamboo Block Party photography by Natalie Willatt.
