How a community’s night-time gallery lit up the streets
A project to transform the street-facing windows of homes and businesses in the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound local area, that celebrated the creative talents of local residents concluded with a visit from the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Cynthia Garton.
Window Wanderland was a fantastically creative project that urged householders and businesses to get involved to help create a magical neighbourhood night-time gallery that could be explored and enjoyed by the whole community.
Born in Bristol pre-pandemic, Window Wanderlands have been replicated throughout the last two years to bring some community joy to participating streets. The Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound Local Area Committee and the Council's Arts & Culture team joined forces to bring the community together in the south of the Borough of Eastleigh.
The theme, decided by community poll in December, was ‘My favourite things - what cheers you up or fills you with joy in tough times?’ This was followed by three workshops to share ideas and try out designs at The Mercury Library and Community Hub, Royal Victoria Country Park and Bursledon Windmill. Local artist and puppeteer, Claire Harvey, produced a video to help residents explore and create their own Window Wanderland displays and over 100 packs of materials with card and tissue paper were then made available to pick up from Mercury Library and Community Hub, Jenny’s Café and Hound Parish Council.
A downloadable map was made available for the evening of the Window Wanderland event so local residents could plan their route and get to as many of the displays as possible. 13 locations showed off their creations (and hosted others), including private residences, The Hamble School, White & Guard Estate Agents, Mercury Library and Community Hub, Jenny’s Café. There were 39 designs in total and three prizes were awarded for Best Design, Best Idea and Mayor’s Choice.
Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Cynthia Garton said: “It was a great opportunity to see the efforts of the local residents and businesses in the south of the Borough for this community exhibition. Thank you to the organisers and different hosts and participants for embracing this new project. There were some impressive designs created by all ages and ability - they really lit up the night”.
