Window Wanderland could get funding

July 9th, 2016

WW

A community project transforming homeowners’ front windows into works of art has made it to the finals of a national funding competition – and is calling for people to vote. Artist Lucy Reeves set up the Window Wanderland trail in Bristol back in Christmas 2015 – and has seen it take off across Bristol, with events lined up for 2017 as far away as Australia. Now the idea has been shortlisted for up to £25,000 of funding from The OneFamily Foundation, which offers financial support to community projects. Voting takes place until Wednesday, July 20. To vote, visit https://foundation.onefamily.com/projects/window-wanderland/  

But the project, which started among a few friends and grew to nearly 200 houses and shops, needs votes to secure the cash. Mum-of-two Lucy, who suffers chronic back pain, said: “It’s been a great success and we already have 20 more lined up for next year, this is all by volunteers hard work, But we would now like to reach out to new areas, support them to host their own event and join the Wanderland community. “Funding would enable us to train local organisers in how to run their own event. We could also support local talent and run workshops in schools and have open meetings to encourage people to have a go at making a display.”  Lucy, a stay-at-home-mum, came up with the idea because she found that  seeing windows lit up at night took her away from her pain.

A team of volunteers worked to help the idea take off in the Bishopston area of north Bristol and it then spread to Bedminster, Ashton, Southville, Fishponds, Chandos, Windmill hill and Victoria Park. Then Bedford and Harrogate did their own, even Sydney, Australia have seen it on Facebook and are planning one next year. Themed displays have included a beach with a Dalek, a disco with lasers in the street, a Lego winter scene and hand-made puppets.

Lucy said: “The range of ideas has been mind-blowing and a real testament to just how amazing the people of Bristol can be.  “This event is for young and old alike. It makes people smile and brings out people’s creativity. There are many stories in a Window Wanderland, some people make displays to remember people they love, some make displays just to say something about themselves, there are no firm rules but everyone has fun making them.

“It’s also really inclusive, with whole schools taking part and adults with learning difficulties creating displays in shop windows.

“It’s a fun way to bring a community together and I’d now like to spread the joy to other parts of the city. We would love for people to vote for our project.”

The OneFamily Foundation offers community awards of £5,000 and £25,000 to help people make a difference to their local area.

* Voting takes place until Wednesday, July 20. To vote, visit https://foundation.onefamily.com/projects/window-wanderland/  

* For more information on Window Wanderland, visit windowwanderland.com

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