Lauren Townsend #RUOSTURNS10

Tell us how you were/are involved in Right Up Our Street. Tell us about your experience.

My first involvement with RUOS was as a Community ensemble member in Kes at Cast in 2014 which was funded by RUOS. This experience really was my introduction back into the creative scene in Doncaster as I’d been away for Uni for the previous 3 years.

Following this show I was invited to apply for an internship with RUOS as Assistant Producer Intern where I worked on projects such as DNweekND, Rossington Handmade Parade, Ted Hughes Project, Balby by the Sea & Cosy Outdoor Cinema - this was my first job out of university and was an incredible opportunity to be able to step into the creative industry straight after graduating, especially in my own hometown. I hadn't thought this possible and definitely thought I'd have to move 'down south' if I ever wanted a career in the arts.

Now, 8 years since my first introduction, I work as a freelance Creative Producer across Yorkshire and continue to collaborate with RUOS on a number of commissions & projects including my own self-produced project Children of the Night in which RUOS are a partner.

What was your most memorable Right Up Our Street moment?

I think my most memorable moment would be hosting an immersive silent disco nightclub experience in the Wool Market. This event was part of a bigger project I'm producing called Children of the Night, a theatre show and exhibition which explores Doncaster's 90s Nightlife scene. The immersive pop-up and audio experience was funded by RUOS and presented as part of the Artbomb Festival - you can listen to it HERE.

We're so excited to have RUOS as a partner in the wider Children of the night Project (opening in February 2023) and their support has enabled us to develop the project over the last 4 years and engage with community members across the City to ensure their stories are part of the final production and exhibition. 

Has your involvement in the project changed your approach to working in the arts?

Working with RUOS has definitely had a profound impact in my work to date in that it has made my practice community driven and Doncaster-centric. Though my work takes me across the UK and even overseas, I am passionate about  developing arts activities, opportunities and talent in Doncaster and telling stories that have roots in or are influenced by my life in Doncaster.

My work always has a strong focus on how community members can be at the centre of the piece, or involved in the development and production stages.

I’m really passionate about talent development - as I have been fortunate to have incredible talent development opportunities and find great mentors through my work at RUOS .

In your opinion, how does having a project like Right Up Our Street benefit the borough of Doncaster?

First & foremost is the development, nurturing and employment of local talent. Without RUOS I would have lacked opportunities to establish a fulfilling and impactful career as a creative in Doncaster, so often we hear that we need to move to Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, or London to access any creative opportunities but RUOS have been key in using their funds to create work for local freelancers.

I think a project like RUOS also allows Doncaster to be seen on a global stage - their events bring the best of the world to Doncaster and showcases the best of Doncaster to the world. Throughout the past 10 years RUOS has curated, developed and produced projects that have international reach, and more still has enabled Doncaster artists & community members the opportunity to connect & collaborate with artists and communities internationally creating enriching experiences and a sense of pride for artists in our City.