Exploring Senses: Digital Mutations ‘Dream Reality’

 

Overview

 

'Dream Reality' is an innovative animation film produced by Exploring Senses, in collaboration with various youth artists and community organizations. The project was part of the Digital Mutations program, commissioned by the Dreamy Place Festival, which formerly operated under the name Brighton Digital Festival. The film offers a unique and alternative perspective on the daily challenges faced by young people, blending visual art, music, and narrative to create a compelling piece of digital storytelling.

 

Collaboration and Creative Process

 

Exploring Senses artist Dave Liteyear played a central role in this project, working closely with youth artists from several organisations, including Crawley Community Youth Service (CCYS), Brighton Youth Centre (BYC), Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), and mASCot. Together, they created artwork, music, and lyrics that reflect their experiences and perspectives.

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The music for the film was produced by youth artist ‘KniteAddic,’ whose work adds a dynamic auditory layer to the animation, enhancing the overall impact of the film. Digital artist Nathan Clear then brought these elements together, crafting a film that is not only a reflection of the youths' challenges but also a powerful expression of their creativity and resilience.

 

Film Premiere and Screenings

 

'Dream Reality' made its debut as part of the Dreamy Place Festival’s outdoor projection series:

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• Crawley Town Centre: The film premiered outdoors on Thursday, 12th October 2023, from 7-8 pm, offering the community a public and accessible viewing experience.

• Brighton Youth Centre (BYC): A second indoor screening was held during the Bfest Youth Arts Festival on Saturday, 21st October 2023, from 7-8 pm, allowing a broader audience to engage with the film in a different setting.

 

Dreamy Place Festival

 

Dreamy Place is a newly launched, seven-day festival dedicated to art, creative technology, and digital culture, held in Brighton & Hove and Crawley. The festival’s program features a diverse range of events, including outdoor projections, video gaming, exhibitions, talks, workshops, dance, music, and live performances.

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'Dream Reality' was one of the highlights of the festival, showcasing the creative potential of young people and the importance of giving them a platform to share their voices. The festival itself is curated and produced by videoclub, in partnership with various arts, culture, technology, and community organizations from across the UK and internationally.

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Impact and Community Engagement

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The project not only provided a creative outlet for the youth involved but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration across different organizations and regions. By premiering the film in public spaces, Exploring Senses and its partners ensured that the message of "Dream Reality" reached a wide audience, sparking conversations about the challenges faced by young people today and the role of art in addressing these issues.

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Conclusion

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'Dream Reality' is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community. Through the efforts of Exploring Senses, Dave Liteyear, Nathan Clear, and the youth artists, the film stands as a vibrant and thought-provoking piece that resonates with audiences. Its inclusion in the Dreamy Place Festival underscores the importance of digital culture and art in exploring and understanding the experiences of young people in today’s world.