KARVAN at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Pop-Up Park, August, 2023, UK
KARVAN at The Word, South Shields, WRITE Festival, 2018, UK
‘The Word’ is quite literally on the banks of the River Tyne, a river which has enabled people and trade to travel to and from South Shields over millennia, bringing stories and much more, so KARVAN was a very appropriate addition to our 2018 WRITE Festival. Sitting on the market square in South Shields, right outside the main entrance to ‘The Word’, KARVAN offered a chance for people passing by, or browsing the market stalls, a chance to engage with the Festival in a completely informal way. People were curious about the caravan itself with its quirky exterior design and welcoming interior. The many people who took part really enjoyed the way Emma engaged them in stories and poetry from around the world. My favourite piece of feedback is “I’ve never seen anything like this is South Shields. It’s a warm and happy caravan – makes me feel happy.” Job done, thanks Emma!
Richard Barber, Arts and Heritage Officer, South Shields, South Tyneside Council.
KARVAN at The Big Malarkey Festival (part of Hull City of Culture, UK 2017)
The KARVAN was a fantastic addition to The Big Malarkey – it created a beautiful, intimate and quiet space which intensified the simple exchange of telling and listening to a story. It was a lovely encounter, particularly in a busy and bustling festival environment, and she was able to adapt instantly to different ages and interests. The props and prompts are delightful and draw people into the story. Highly recommended!
Ellen Bianchini, Director, The Big Malarkey Festival – Hull Children’s Literature Festival
KARVAN at The Big Feast, UK 2015
We booked the KARVAN because we were looking for something that people could take time out of their day to experience something new. Something which was intimate but could take places in a public space. We were also looking for something that could bring books to life…providing people a new experience with literature. The KARVAN proved to be a great example of a project that could do all of what we were looking for and proved really popular at The Big Feast. The feedback we received from the public was great and our community decision-makers we meet still talk about KARVAN fondly as an experience they won’t forget. KARVAN was such a special experience, and brought the world to our event so much so, that when we were working with our community group, Burslem Jubilee Project, for another event they asked for its return. I would gladly consider KARVAN for our events again in the future.
Gemma Thomas, Appetite Creative Producer
Poetry International Festival, Southbank UK, 2014
Photographs © Belinda Lawley Southbank Centre
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