Wastelands artist development commission
Taking Up Space is a multidisciplinary project by Kwanzaa Collective UK, combining film, dance, and poetry to explore Black women’s connection to green spaces and to each other.
After the first COVID-19 lockdown in Spring 2020, poet Gabriella Gay invited Black women from Staffordshire to walk together in local green spaces. These shared experiences of healing, joy, and community were gathered and shaped into new poetry.
The poems were then shared with Caribbean dance artists, who developed choreographic responses remotely during lockdown restrictions. Three distinct dances emerged from this process, later brought together and filmed on location in Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent, creating a layered artwork rooted in both isolation and collective presence.
A poetic short film of dance, spoken word, and reflection celebrating Black women’s presence and creativity in Staffordshire’s green spaces.
Artist Credits
Lead Artist & Poet: Gabriella Gay Walk Leader: Monienne Stone Choreographer: Caroline Muraldo Dancers: Caroline Muraldo, Shona Muraldo-Parks, Shanice Harris Filmmaker: Cynthia Coady Composition: Paul Rogerson & Tony Reid Support & Advice: Clare Reynolds, Restoke