Dreamy Place has announced its rebranding and the introduction of a new seven day program. It was formerly known as Brighton Digital Festival (BDF). The event is scheduled to take place this October in Brighton & Hove as well as in Crawley.
Produced by the arts agency videoclub, the festival will feature world-renowned artists and installations alongside local creative talent in a series of interactive events. The festival aims to engage individuals from all walks of life in the potential of creative technology. It will be held in Brighton from Thurs 19 – Sun 22 Oct. It will also extend to Crawley from Thurs 12 – Sat 14 Oct, marking a first in the festival’s 12-year history.
The rebranding to Dreamy Place aligns with videoclub’s objective of using the festival as a platform. They want to encourage people to explore the benefits of creative technologies on mental and physical health.
The festival is expanding its scope beyond its original location in Brighton & Hove to include Crawley, as part of an effort to increase inclusivity.
Jamie Wyld, the director of both Dreamy Place and videoclub and a co-founder of Brighton Digital Festival, shares the vision that chnology is not confined to a single location or purpose. It is a dynamic force that can inspire and support individuals in various ways.
Previously, Lighthouse managed Brighton Digital Festival before it transformed into Dreamy Place. To commemorate the evolution, Lighthouse has curated a launch program featuring both past creators of BDF and new artists. Alli Beddoes, the CEO at Lighthouse, emphasises that Dreamy Place aims to foster genuine human connection in the digital age through interactive performances and activities.
The 2023 program promises a diverse range of activities. This is including workshops, exhibitions, conferences, outdoor film screenings, and immersive experiences in audio, visual, and VR.
The program challenges attendees to consider how technology can bridge the digital divide and contribute to well-being.
In collaboration with Exploring Senses, Dreamy Place will offer animation workshops for young people from Brighton & Hove and Crawley. The creations from these workshops will be projected onto the streets, showcasing young talent.
The festival is committed to inclusivity, featuring a broad array of accessible exhibitions, performances, and talks. It has been curated by videoclub, in partnership with various organisations including Sarah Ticho, Jo Summers, and several community and LGBTQU+ groups from Crawley.
A notable aspect of the 2023 program is its collaboration with renowned artists from China. Installations by these artists, in partnership with Brighton-based artist Thomas Buckley, will be featured in Brighton. Furthermore, several UK-based artists will travel to Hangzhou, China, for a Dreamy Place exhibition in December 2023.
Arts Council England is among the supporters of Dreamy Place. Pete Davison, Relationship Manager, Creative Media at Arts Council England, expresses enthusiasm for the festival’s potential. It can engage underrepresented audiences in creative experiences.
Dreamy Place is produced by videoclub and has been realised with the support of various partners from Brighton & Hove, Crawley, and beyond. The event is also supported by numerous funders and sponsors, including Arts Council England and the British Council among others.
For updates on the Dreamy Place program, ovisit their website or follow them on their social media channels. Facebook (facebook.com/DreamyPlaceInternational), Instagram (@DreamyPlaceUK), and Twitter (@DreamyPlace_UK). #DreamyPlace23
