Notes of support
Eleanor’s initiative provides a much needed space for artist-led and artist-supported activity which ripple through the community.
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“Gosport Routes looks forward to collaborating with Elephant Dreamland on bringing further artistic development opportunities to the Borough. Eleanor’s initiative provides a much needed space for artist-led and artist-supported activity which ripple through the community. We also relish the opportunity to consider the joint programming opportunities which may arise from a dedicated contemporary arts space where youth engagement is central. (…)”
The project also contributes to our commitment to place-based cultural development by strengthening Gosport's cultural infrastructure, fostering local creative networks, attracting artists to work in the area, and helping to build a sustainable and visible cultural offer for the borough.
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Hampshire Cultural Trust is pleased to support Elephant Dreamland's project to establish a dedicated contemporary arts, studio and exhibition space in Gosport, creating opportunities for artists, young people and local communities to engage in creative exchange and cultural activity.
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This project aligns strongly with Hampshire Cultural Trust's objectives as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Through our Cultural Development programme, we work to increase participation in arts and culture, particularly in priority places including Gosport, by creating opportunities for people to engage with high-quality creative experiences and develop their own creative practice. The proposed programme will support increased cultural participation amongst local residents and young people, while bringing artists into dialogue with communities through meaningful exchange and collaboration.
The project also contributes to our commitment to place-based cultural development by strengthening Gosport's cultural infrastructure, fostering local creative networks, attracting artists to work in the area, and helping to build a sustainable and visible cultural offer for the borough.
We are delighted to support this exciting initiative.
Young people & families
“I don’t know what you’re doing there but please never stop! My sickly recluse of a son is leaving his room, eating, and having a good time!”
“My son says it’s the first thing he’s enjoyed for a long time”
“I thought it would be lame but it’s really good!”
“It’s made a big difference to me, I’m really sad to leave”
“This project has been such a great experience for my daughter. She has been exposed to some incredible local culture that even we didn't know about. The trip to London was a particular triumph. It was her first time ever in London and also first trip without us as parents being there with her. Her confidence has blossomed massively since starting this so I thank you so much.”
“Loved it!! Amazing experience”
Why Gosport needs a space
A new space, managed by Eleanor, would greatly increase the amount of work that we could do in the area and I have no doubt would benefit the community more widely.
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I am writing in support of an application to Arts Council England by Eleanor Hawkridge to enable her to run a new project space in Gosport that would benefit her artistic practice and the local community.
I have worked with Eleanor over several projects in Gosport, most recently during a period of R&D for two new shows The Mariner’s Revenge at the historic Slaughterhouse and Gulliver’s Travels at Fort Brockhurst. In my experience she is deeply embedded and respected in the local community. She understands the needs of participants and is an expert at making projects inclusive, accessible and relevant.
Gosport is a town of 80,000 people and yet has no theatre, cinema or resident professional theatre companies. As such, artists and facilitators such as Eleanor are crucial to the burgeoning creative community that is growing there.
My theatre company, Crowded Room, often co-create with the people of Gosport but have often found rehearsal or project space hard to come by. A new space, managed by Eleanor, would greatly increase the amount of work that we could do in the area and I have no doubt would benefit the community more widely.
I, for one, am always on the look out for rehearsal and performance spaces and often have to go to Portsmouth to find this.
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Eleanor’s influence on my projects for the community and for my own creative plans has been mightily impactful.
I was fortunate to meet with Eleanor when I was a senior support worker with a local youth charity. Her positivity and drive to bring diverse and exciting projects to Gosport was genuinely inspirational, it actually motivated me to bring my own ideas to fruition and facilitate a community-led production at St John’s Arts. Without Eleanor’s vision and trust this would not have happened.
Knowing there are people like Eleanor who have such drive and passion is inspirational and she has strengthened the creative offer here in Gosport. She brings such innovative projects and has this incredible capability to deliver it all so well.
If Eleanor had a space where she could continue her great work, I have no doubt the impact this would have.
I, for one, am always on the look out for rehearsal and performance spaces and often have to go to Portsmouth to find this.
If Eleanor was able to provide a venue or space I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and see if there was a way of working alongside her. How great it would be to stay local.
Eleanor is incredible. It’s a blessing to know her.
Setting up a project is just really stressful, it’s so challenging trying to find spaces with availability, it’s really been a lot more difficult than I was expecting. (…)
Partners & peers
Most importantly, the project helped young people see the possibilities available to them, encouraging them to explore their talents, increase confidence in their abilities, and consider how creativity can play a role in their futures.
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Over Spring, Motiv8 partnered with Eleanor Hawkridge from Elephant Dreamland on Too Hot To Handel, an inspiring creative project that encouraged young people to explore local cultural heritage and use it as a springboard for future creative opportunities.
This project gave young people the chance to develop a range of valuable skills, from creativity and self-expression to confidence, communication, and collaboration. Through researching and uncovering fascinating local connections to influential artists and musicians including Handel, David Bowie, Lily Allen and family, Nat Gonella, Queen, The Stranglers, Take That and many others, participants gained a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage on their doorstep.
Most importantly, the project helped young people see the possibilities available to them, encouraging them to explore their talents, increase confidence in their abilities, and consider how creativity can play a role in their futures.
At Motiv8, we are passionate about creating opportunities that help young people develop skills, discover new interests, and realise their potential. Projects like Too Hot To Handel are a wonderful example of how creative engagement can empower young people, strengthen confidence, and inspire ambition.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Eleanor Hawkridge for her passion, creativity, and dedication throughout the project.
Congratulations to everyone involved. The creativity, enthusiasm, and talent on display made it clear that the future is incredibly bright 💙
An incredible project! Thank you to Eleanor Hawkridge for brightening the future for our young people and engaging them in the amazing way that you did 💙
Thanks again for delivering an exciting, informative project (…) fantastic comments from parents, partners, producers, and young people (…)
Thank you for your ongoing support and the positive impact you have on our students and the wider community.
The project you run is so meaningful and much needed, it's very encouraging to see the passion you have for the community. Thank you for doing the work.
Impact so far
Too Hot to Handel!
A new programme of activity for 2027‑2028!
Regular micro-residencies and exhibitions exploring
Plus
Inspiration
Inspired by Dreamland Margate, an unapologetically fun seaside venue at the heart of the town’s cultural revival — and the other Dreamland, brought to life through Lewis Carroll’s playfully subversive imagination. A belief in creativity’s power to transform places and open up new worlds.
AI Can’t Kill Dreamland
Eleanor Hawkridge at TEDxGosport.
Supporting documents
Please note: full letters of support, including committed amounts, are included in the application appendix.