We quickly provided online training and they set about capturing what they were making in their studios, front rooms and bedrooms.
Recently, we revisited the footage shot by those ‘videographers in training’ and recognised that these stories of fabrication during lockdown needed to be told. We worked with the University of Salford to commission a recent graduate of the MA course in documentary film making, Byron Mondahl. The creation of this video, and the training for the artists, was supported by the Elevate artist development programme.
A special acknowledgement goes to Manchester City Council and Arts Council England for providing the funding that enabled these artists to continue working during the lockdown. Thankfully, all the floats and costumes showcased in the video went on to feature in the 2022 Manchester Day Parade, spreading smiles and joy after a challenging time for many Mancunians.