Children from Room 13 Hareclive, an artists’ studio in Hartcliffe co-run by children, carried out research into playing out in their area. They interviewed children of all ages in their school and also some parents. Speeding and dangerous driving were identified as a major barrier to children having more freedom and playing out in the area.
Room 13 was then commissioned by Playing Out (and funded by BCC) to devise a creative response to this important issue. The result is The Sad Reality, a wonderful, humorous and inspiring film devised, written, acted and filmed by children in collaboration with the Room 13 adult artists.
So far, children themselves have presented their film to their community at St Andrew’s church, Hartcliffe, where they marched to the venue with placards calling for change; and to wider audiences at Bristol’s City Hall and The Bristol Festival of Ideas, Festival of the Future City. This is a brilliant example of children’s voice in action and an important message for all adults and decision makers around children’s need for freedom, play and independence.