Have you heard? ZoieLogic Dance Theatre and the community of Holyrood Estate in Southampton are on a mission to raise aspirations, challenge perceptions, and illuminate this wonderful city that so many call home.
The long-term ‘We are Holyrood’ project, spearheaded by Founder and Artistic Director Zoie Golding MBE, has been a beacon of creativity and community engagement since its inception in 2019.
A positive impact on more than 2,500 residents
Focused on creating a safe, thriving, and creatively rich environment, the project has significantly impacted the residents of Holyrood, an inner-city estate in Southampton, where over 2,500 residents live and more than 15 different languages are spoken.
So far, ‘We are Holyrood’ has made huge strides in transforming the local community. It has already established free, accessible regular activities for young people and adults, engaged over 400 residents as active participants, delivered more than 300 hours of activity, and reached more than 1,000 people as a live audience.
Its pop-up creative space, called The Hub, has been made possible with funding from Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and Blagrave Foundation. The Hub has hosted dance workshops for both young people and adults, featuring ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, Kala the Arts, Gabriel Galvez, Art Asia, and the Jones Academy of Irish Dance.
Additionally, resident drop-in sessions and a “Love Where You Live” event has been hosted, with turnout exceeding expectations and reflecting the community’s enthusiasm and support.
ZoieLogic also collaborated with young people to create performances and a film called “The Adventures of the Holyrood Heroes.” The film premiered on a giant outdoor screen in the centre of the estate, attached to a van, with popcorn, blankets, and beanbags. There was also a giant inflatable shelter for dance workshops, a silent disco, and other activities.
On hearing all of this fantastic work happening, we knew we just had to get involved.
Becoming a ChangeMaker
As part of this inspirational campaign, Solent Power Ltd has proudly become a ChangeMaker, a role which will see us take an active part in transforming the communities we serve through engagement and creativity.
We have already started this by setting up regular donations to ZoieLogic, so they can continue to connect people through the power of movement. These donations and financial pledges are an investment in communities like We Are Holyrood.
As a ChangeMaker, we have also pledged our commitment to contributing to the ongoing success and expansion of the Holyrood Project. We can do this by creating opportunities for residents to get active, be creative, and learn new skills, by igniting the imagination of the next generation to achieve their goals, and by helping empower residents to increase community cohesion and strive towards becoming a social enterprise.
“ZoieLogic Dance Theatre is more than just a dance company; we are a catalyst for change,” said Zoie. “Our work in Holyrood with the support of our ChangeMakers is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision of empowerment and transformation.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses like Solent Power, whose contributions help us to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of Holyrood residents. Together, we are building a brighter, more connected future.”
Creating opportunities for all
Paul Phelps, Founder of Solent Power Ltd, said: “Supporting ZoieLogic Dance Theatre and the Holyrood Project is a huge privilege. We are committed to making a real difference in our community by backing initiatives that inspire and unite residents. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the vibrant and creative spirit of Holyrood Estate, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store.” For more information on ZoieLogic, please visit: zoielogic.co.uk
