Whitgift’s Wiggle Wonderland

Wiggle Wonderland is coming to the Whitgift Centre… ‘What are all these ‘W’ words’ I hear you cry. Co-founders Lucy Grainge and Beau McCarthy describe Wiggle Wonderland as ‘a timber-framed, open-air gallery that can be adapted to display the works of artists and communities in different locations. From hosting live performances to workshops, each install of the pavilion evolves and is shaped by people and place, and collaboration and co-creation are core to the project.’

The pavilion lands in Whitgift Square on Saturday 15 February for 16 days of creative fun, exhibiting artworks created by Croydon residents, and hosting a series of free workshops from different Croydon-based artists through half-term and beyond.

We catch up with Lucy to find out more, as well as hear from artists Skye Baker, Bea (as part of Bea and Jill) and Jhinuk Sarkar what they are most looking forward to about Wiggle Wonderland.

Croydonist: Firstly tell us a bit about your artistic background.

Lucy: I’m an artist-designer and work in community arts settings and Beau is a 3D designer with training in architecture. Beau enjoys designing joyful, celebratory and accessible spaces into the public realm, to encourage social interaction and reflection. I’ve always been interested in the social impact of creative spaces – whether this be the therapeutic benefits or how creative spaces can improve cohesions and create connections within communities.

Beau designed the pavilion structure and adapts the design to each site and I lead on the engagement and artwork.

Croydonist: How did Wiggle Wonderland come about?

Lucy: Initially, it was an idea for an installation at Brainchild festival in 2020. Then it was delayed due to the pandemic and in 2021 we decided to merge our interests to make the project more meaningful and sustainable by making the project have more longevity. We applied for an Arts Council England project grant and were lucky to be successful. Since then we’ve worked with many different art galleries, councils, schools and arts organisations across London and the UK. Whitgift Square will be our seventh location.

Croydonist: We’re looking forward to welcoming Wiggle Wonderland to Whitgift Square (excuse the alliteration!). What can our readers expect when they visit?

Lucy: An exploded matrix with loads of colour. The artwork shows lots of different voices from children and young people in Croydon and some beautiful print work. Local artists Rebecca Sainsot-Reynolds and Skye Baker led all the workshops to create the artwork with Croydon Schools and Youth groups. We also have an action packed workshop programme with some brilliant artists, many of them Croydon-based.

Croydonist: What are you most looking forward to about Wiggle Wonderland’s visit to Croydon?

Lucy: We’ve been working in Croydon since August and it’s been a joy to work with and get to know many young people in Croydon and local artists who really care about where they live and its future. There’s also a real creative community here very much based in and around the Whitgift. We hope young people can come and be inspired, connect with each other and have fun in the workshops! We are also going to share an online resource of local creative organisations and opportunities for young people. Wiggle Wonderland is very much shaped by people and place so we are looking forward to seeing how visitors use and interact with the pavilion in the Whitgift.

Skye: I’m excited to see all the work made by all the people we have been working with on the banners and for them to see what they’ve made blown up and in the installation. There’s also an exciting workshop programme with a few familiar Croydon faces alongside which I think will be brilliant!’

Bea (as part of Bea and Jill): To me, the pavilion symbolises play and curiosity. It’s a bright, colourful, unknown structure in a familiar, gray, unchanging place. You want to touch it, lie on its floor, run around the posts, and you can. There’s a lot of art to “be around” in Croydon, but little to truly “be in” and be a part of. We’re looking forward to hearing the conversations the pavilion sparks.

Jhinuk: I’m most looking forward to having an open, hopefully inviting space for local people to engage with their creativity and feel their ideas and voices are heard! The colourful structure feels worthy to support diverse and exciting ideas from the people of Croydon