We have commissioned a second phase of the playlaws public art project to further explore the theme of playfulness.
The intention is to change how people see the world around them. We intend to continue to promote physical activity by helping people to find new ways to engage with the built and natural environment.
We have extended the commission of Playful Anywhere, Pippa Hale and Hilary Cox Condron to develop the Cambridge Playlaws phase 2 project in Abbey and Petersfield wards.
The playlaws
The artists are co-creating with people across Abbey and Petersfield wards through workshops, conversations and playful interventions.
Playlaws draw on local memories, observations and imagined futures. Some celebrate the joy of childhood play, others encourage spontaneous acts of silliness or kindness, while others invite us to reimagine what our streets, parks and neighbourhoods could become.
The full list of playlaws developed during the previous phase 1 can be found on the Cambridge Playlaws website.
Playlaws are intended to encourage people to reconnect with their playful selves. The idea is to help people remember how they played in the past and bring them together to play in the future.
Phase 2 will work with local people to co-create six new playlaws that reflect the distinct character, histories and aspirations of these neighbourhoods.
While rooted in the same playful spirit as the original commission, this phase will respond directly to the changing identity of Abbey and Petersfield at a time of significant investment, regeneration and community-led activity.
Events
Engagement is taking place throughout the summer. The artists have collected playful memories from people of all ages through a series of 1-2-1 conversations with local organisations such as Cambridge United Foundation and Abbey People.
During Abbey’s Big Lunch on Sunday 14 June, they collected almost 100 contributions from children, young people, adults and older residents, including local councillors and the mayor.
Free playlaws events are planned using a Playbox - a 20ft shipping container out of which spill playful activities into the surrounding public space through games, conversations, making activities and opportunities for spontaneous play.
The Playbox can be found at the following locations in September.
Coldham's Common
- Saturday 12 September: 9am to 3pm (all ages)
- Sunday 13 September: 11am to 3pm (all ages), 5pm to 7pm (Twilight Teen Takeover)
Thorpe Way recreation ground
- Saturday 19 September: 11am to 3pm (all ages)
- Sunday 20 September: 11am to 3pm (all ages)
Following the engagement
Ideation will be reviewed in October, and six new playlaws will be developed based on this material. Each plaque will be located where its content resonates most strongly.
The importance of play
Play is a basic human driver that, when suppressed, can lead to depression, anxiety, loneliness and isolation.
But public play opportunities have decreased dramatically around the country in the last 50 years. This is a result of several factors, including busier schedules, easy access to screens and the internet, increased traffic, and policy and bureaucracy.
Free play is now often confined to dedicated playgrounds and multi-use games areas.
We want projects like the Cambridge Playlaws to help people find new ways and places to play.
Project funding
This public art commission is being paid for with Section 106 funds, also known as developer contributions. These funds are used to mitigate the impact of development on local communities and can only be spent on public art projects.
It is a requirement of the funding for phase 2 that it must be spent within Abbey Ward and Petersfield Wards.
