Our new blog series will look back on some of the fantastic work supported by CultureDale as part of the 2024 Year of Culture by interviewing organisations who benefitted from our support. We also have new projects being developed through our CultureDale Cohesion Fund, stay tuned for more information on these to follow soon!

IOU Theatre - Project Overview

Over four nights in February 2025, Halifax Town Centre was transformed by a new immersive experience of sound, light and visuals that brought familiar streets to life. This Landscape is Ours gathered stories from Calderdale residents to shine a light on the cherished, forgotten and remembered places that hold significance for our borough’s diverse people and communities.

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What was the impact of CultureDale support, and what did you learn from the project?

Fundamentally it allowed us to bring in collaborators Breaking Barriers to co-design and deliver the project. It meant that between the two orgs we could interview a wide variety of individuals and organisations from across Calderdale, broadening the reach of the project. We had a team of roughly 11 people working on the project which expanded at least threefold during the performance week. We couldn't have realised any of the project without the financial support

Beyond the financial investment the community recognition for Culturedale and the Year of Culture went a long way in connecting us up with a number of orgs and community groups as well as helping contextualise the ambition of the piece to local businesses we needed in kind support to deliver practical aspects of the piece including use of retail units and spaces. This enabled us to partner with local businesses to install visual artwork, which in turn promoted local businesses through use of spaces and supply of resources, food. Use of local spaces, collection of oral histories from people around the borough, connecting with local community groups to advertise the project and seek out more stories. Sharing social media platforms also enabled the project to reach more communities and we sold out tickets within 48 hrs of them being made public.

Some audience feedback

‘I loved the sounds of people's voices actually quite emotional hearing fond memories of Calderdale’

‘It felt wonderful to be a part of this . It was magical and I would love to do it again’

‘Really unexpected and enjoyed it’ 

‘One of the best things I’ve seen, by anyone since the open top poetry tour by IOU

The impact of the work has been overwhelmingly positive, we set out to try and create a piece that would resonate with the people it was being made with and for and to be honest the effect it had exceeded our expectations. Because the work is essentially an audio piece with accompanying visuals we have been able to create a capture of the work that we are able to use to show potential new commissioners, funders and collaborators the value and quality of the work. 

Since then lots of connections have been made post-project from people who had heard or seen the project and wanted to do something similar. We have offered support and advice to others on how to manage such large scale light and sound night events. Portfolio of new work, new assets gathered. New connections formed and maintained beyond the project. Money coming into business. 

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What other work do you have coming soon for people to get involved in?

• IOU @ 50 2 year programme. 
• Artist in Residence 'Temporary Tenants' exhibition,
• Ongoing artist development programme STTA - various artists (see website for more).
• Richard Mulhearn 'Everything is Suspended in Motion' installation Dec 25.
• Bussing Out - production TBC!

The next 18 months are super exciting for us. We are busy in the background making very exciting plans for how we will celebrate our 50th anniversary next September and end and begin the year with two brilliant projects, Everything is Suspended in Motion and Bussing Out.