Appetite is an arts programme led by the New Vic Theatre, whose mission is to get more people in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent to have exciting arts experiences on their doorsteps. In December 2020, amid COVID and various restrictions, Projector Bikes was one of the few things that Appetite could deliver in terms of providing some inspiration and entertainment to people through art.
Projector Bikes are mobile projectors on two electric tricycles which roam the streets, projecting colourful animations onto the streets and buildings whilst playing a funky soundtrack. These could be animals, characters, activities like hopscotch, and much more. Take a look!
People could enjoy from a distance, from their homes, gardens, and doorsteps. This event was incredibly well received, landing just before the Christmas period, when people had just been told they could not meet family for Christmas. It was a great pick-me-up and also got people outdoors and socialising with their neighbours.
Appetite worked with Sound Intervention artists to bring Projector Bikes to three areas, Chesterton, Cross Heath and Kidsgrove. We worked with them, so they were able to identify our properties to ensure the routes covered all of these areas and our customers were able to enjoy this artistic project.
Watch about this year's Projector Bikes event.
Their latest Projector Bike display was showcased in February 2022 too, making sure that, again, the routes went past as many of our properties as possible. They were also well received, with people watching from their windows and even coming out on to the street to watch the scenes being projected along the street.
Aspire Housing have been supporters of Appetite for many years, and this is one of the more recent ways we have worked together. It’s great to see communities come together and share a joyous experience, greatly provided by Appetite.