Risky Play

The possibilities of play and the environments in which it might take place are as broad as the imagination can stretch. But how can we cultivate the conditions for risky play in a city like Birmingham?

From the great outdoors to a disco in a shipping container, the possibilities of play and the environments in which it might take place are as broad as the imagination can stretch. But how can we cultivate the conditions for risky play in a city like Birmingham?

This event opens with a screening of Erin Davis’ short documentary The Land (2015), a portrait of Plas Madoc’s adventure playground where children climb trees, light fires and use hammers and nails. To follow is an informal discussion involving Mike and Ben from Ludiocology, North Wales, Amy Martin from F A M A L A M and Emma Bearman from Playful Leeds, where we will be exploring how we can develop the environment for risky play in Birmingham. We’ll aim to demonstrate some of the most innovative, thought-provoking and totally awesome projects, demonstrating creative solutions to finding a place to play. Kids are very welcome. Mike and Ben founded Ludicology in support of children's play. This includes recognising that for children playing is living, advocating the need to cultivate more favourable conditions for play and championing the benefits associated with adults adopting a play centric approach. F A M A L A M explores parenting and play in the 21st century and stages unusual cultural products, exploring new ideas in art, entertainment, parenting, play and learning for younger audiences and their families. F A M A L A M was founded by Creative Producer, Amy Martin and her (then) 9 month old son Theodore. Amy is working with Impact Hub Birmingham on #RadicalChildcare, an initiative to explore, imagine and invest in bold new possibilities for the future of childcare. Playful Leeds believe that play should be for everybody, regardless of age, background or wealth. Playful spaces can bring people together in joy. Playful Leeds are the folks behind Playbox, a 20ft shipping container, transformed into a mini venue filled with tools for imagination and play. It allows creative play for all ages to take place in an area of Leeds where there used to be very little. Playbox provides a fully inclusive service for children of all abilities using traditional and co-operative activities which include team games, face painting, puppets, drama, storytelling and disco.