“In Brighton, where I grew up, art and culture is everywhere and so it’s nothing odd. Here it’s almost belittled, as if people don’t want to be seen to be getting involved or engaged. I want to feel that everyone can be involved and be a part of it. I want Coventry to build people’s confidence with art so they feel it’s ok to enjoy it, and so by 2021 they can enjoy it.
At the moment, if I see people filming things on their phones, they tend to be nudging each other and laughing – and that makes the audience feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. I wish they were filming the art on their phones because they were like “Wow! Look at this!”.
Why aren’t we all comfortable with the arts? And with stopping to watch?
I want everyone to feel included, to make connections and to have the freedom to enjoy art and culture without limiting themselves. Sharing those things is good for society: and it’s for all of us!”