Re-Write the Stars
This project was working with the Ambassadors Programme to engage looked after children of all ages through creative sessions, being part of a celebration at the Totally Wicked Stadium. These sessions quickly grew into a creative journey working with the young people, developing a performance that was led by them. MD Creatives were new to working with both these young people and the Ambassadors Programme, but rehearsals came to life and people voluntarily wanted to sing and dance, friendships were formed, a whole production evolved, and Re-Write the Stars was born.
“This has been one of the most important projects we have worked on since arriving to St Helens and has now developed into a yearly event and celebration. The piece of work created allowed the young people to bring their thoughts and feelings to life in a concluding performance which they presented to families, carers, social workers, and the local council. It was amazing to see the growth and expression from these young people, as well as being able to work with the ambassadors, the care team, the leaving care team and St Helens council.”
Miguel Doforo
St Helens Pride
Blank Canvas by MD CIC joined forces with the World of Glass, St Helens Council, Over the Rainbow Group and ST Helens Sexual Health Clinic to create and host St Helens Pride 2019, celebrating equality and diversity across the local borough whilst supporting the LGBT community. The event was held on 10th August 2019 and included activities such as a Rainbow Walk through the town, performing arts and craft workshops, music, and dance performances, as well as exhibits at the World of Glass. One of the main moments of the day was the Rainbow Wall which was where people joined hands from the town centre to the World of Glass, showing their unity and spreading the love around the atmosphere. The day was also part of St Helens Summer Streets Festival.
“Pride happened over a conversation, I met amazing fantastic man called Ron who runs the world of glass. We did a project at the World of Glass called St Helens Next Generation looking at what people want to do, what they would like to change and being able to give them a voice. Following this project, we looked at doing a couple of other things and seeing the growth of Liverpool and Manchester Pride Ron said he would love to see that in St Helens which is were the event stemmed from. The day wasn’t just about LGBTQ community but our entire community, accepting each other and working together, and we are immensely proud to have been shortlisted and came second for the Event of the Year Award at the LCR Pride Awards.”
Miguel Doforo
Decade of Dream
St Helens celebrated the 10th year anniversary of the Dream sculpture which represents a young girl dreaming of a better future for her and St Helens. This was one of the main events MD Creatives were involved in within the local community and St Helens Council when first moving to St Helens. It was an iconic event attended by 100’s of people, bringing the community together and educating them on the statues history through the arts.
“It was great for us to learn the history behind this, running up to and during the event, meeting the artist, the meaning behind the statue and have our BTEC students be involved, mapping some of their units and qualification to their performance. It has really inspired us to do more work based around the history of the town.”
Miguel Doforo
One Big Christmas
This event was created by St Helens Council with the support of local business for vulnerable families and looked after children across the community to share a special moment together and have some joy during what a difficult period of time can be. Blank Canvas by MD CIC were involved by creating and putting on a performance of Lion King at the Town Hall a few days before Christmas day. The special day involved presents donated by the local community, having a three-course meal and being able to watch our production of the Lion King which we were proud to have had our sponsors Communications Plus O2 Business Centre Rainford involved in, volunteering the time throughout the rehearsals and show.
“We had fantastic feedback, and it was amazing to see all the families come together at such a special time that is Christmas. They were so appreciative for the day, even though this can be such a challenging period for so many people it was great for us and St Helens council to be able to put a smile on everyone’s faces.”
Miguel Doforo