In March 2020 the UK went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses shut their doors and people stayed at home. Isolation kicked in. So, in May, Activate opened a micro commission opportunity for Dorset artists to engage local communities. It was called Creative Communities in Quarantine. 

Portland artist and recent Arts University Bournemouth graduate, Sophie Fretwell, answered the call out with her project Flag it up Portland. Sophie’s project invited Portland residents to make ‘thank you’ flags for local heroes. She created simple ‘how to’ guides and videos for people to follow and encouraged sharing the flags via Facebook. 

Find out more about all of the micro commission projects on the Activate website: activateperformingarts.org.uk/creative-communities