Disabled People’s Creative Exchange - Factory International
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In August 2025 for an event with Factory International + Venture Arts we collaborated with Weather Systems and created Collective Sound Space, where visitors could explore sound and technology through accessible, communal instruments.
Billy and David of Weather Systems contributed a wall of magnetic synthesisers and a vocal trigger that played notes whenever the user opened their mouth, encouraging new ways of interaction that can respond to the smallest movements.
Visitors of all abilities engaged with curiosity, intuitively moving and collaborating with each other as they discovered sounds together.
Many shared that they often face barriers to making music and participating in creative activities and felt there should be far more opportunities like this. From this event we have made many valuable connections and are using feedback from the community to help design new instruments and experiences.
The "Exchange" Instrument
Designed and built from the ground up with accessibility in mind. With adjustable height for wheelchair users, headphones for those hard of hearing and a touch-sensitive keyboard for people with limited mobility.
Working from Hackspace, a communal workshop in Manchester, we learnt from other more experienced members there and constructed a wooden exterior, laser-cut the front panel, designed and 3D-printed spinners and even used a metal lathe for some components.
For the electronics we used 5 Arduino microcontrollers to receive inputs from thevarious input devices such as the keyboard, spinners and distance sensors and then used these signals to trigger sounds from Ableton and visuals from TouchDesigner.
This was a multi-faceted design challenge which involved us learning a lot from the community at Hackspace and was built on a budget of around £100.
An Open Exhibition Inspired by 'A Strange Kind Of Love'
For Chorlton Arts Festival in May 2025, we hosted our third open call exhibition, a joyful and slightly surreal celebration of local art inspired by 'A Strange Kind Of Love'. Over 30 artists and performers took part, filling the walls with artwork and performing an eclectic mix from music to poetry and a duet with a microwave. To keep hearts and stomachs full, Hannah created a love-themed plant-based taco menu which sold out.
The "Memories" Instrument
Inspired by the past, we designed this communal instrument for everyone to be able to enjoy the healing properties of music making and ambient music.
With fidget spinners drone synths, a Wallace & Gromit theremin, a hand-sensor guitar, a gamepad controller drum machine, a kalimba, slinky and hidden buttons that trigger sounds that might feel familiar.
We also reached out to our community asking for voice notes of memories from friends and strangers. We then used an old telephone to trigger these, sharing the beauty, mundane and interconnectedness of our lives through memory and nostalgia.
'Memories' Open Exhibition
In December 2024, we hosted our second exhibition night, inspired by Memories. We had over 40 local artists showcasing a range of work from visual art to performances, live music, storytelling and poetry.
We also created a nostalgic packed lunch menu with a unique toy in each, games with prizes and other surprises.
The night was rounded off by us showcasing the latest communal instrument prototype, where we invited the audience to interact and play with.
The Bagel Instrument
We have also hosted two communal music nights where we asked the community to bring their own records to share. This inspired conversations about music and memories, allowing people to feel a personal connection and involvement in the sound of the evening.
We also designed two small plates menus, both inspired by different parts of the world - we showcased nutritious, delicious and affordable plant-based food that was very well received.
An Open Exhibition Inspired by 'Bagels'
Our first open call exhibition where 22 artists showcased their art, poetry, sculpture, live music, edible art and more absurd creations inspired by bagels. With a plant based menu that sold out and received rave reviews!
We also made the first prototype of an interactive communal instrument, featuring five MIDI controlled bagels that allowed the user to play a theremin, bass, drums and bugle.
A Collection Of Experimental Short Films
In September 2023, I hosted a screening at Cafe Blah featuring seven of my short films, I also discussed my creative process in a powerpoint, sharing shot lists, behind-the-scenes pictures and answering questions from the audience.
The event also included a prize raffle and networking opportunities throughout the evening. It was a very enjoyable night, and many valuable new connections were made. If you want to see any of these films you can click the button.
Spinning Plates
We have also hosted two communal music nights where we asked the community to bring their own records to share. This inspired conversations about music and memories, allowing people to feel a personal connection and involvement in the sound of the evening.
We also designed two small plates menus, both inspired by different parts of the world - we showcased nutritious, delicious and affordable plant-based food that was very well received.
Check out some reviews from people who have attended our events!
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