The Light Lab was a creative technology and learning project I developed with support from Creative Incubator Funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. At its heart was a simple belief: anyone with an idea can be an artist.

I explore how technology can be used as a creative material, something to tinker with, experiment with and make through, rather than simply consume.

The project began with The Safe Charity in Basingstoke, where I designed and delivered family and early years workshops reaching 122 children, parents and carers. Through playful, open-ended activities, families explored light, animation, AI, projection, digital drawing, sound and stop motion, using technology as a tool for imagination, storytelling and connection.

The project culminated in the Light Lab Exhibition and interactive play space at Basingstoke Festival, created with artist Hannah Edwards and volunteers. Across four festival days, 425 visitors were invited to draw, animate, experiment and play, alongside artwork created during The Safe workshops.

For me, the most rewarding outcome was seeing technology almost disappear into the creative process. The focus became making, playing, connecting and discovering together, showing how technology can open the door to creativity rather than replace it.