Calais Lantern Project - Light Relief - 2015

In the winter of 2015, amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Calais and deeply moved by the difficult conditions faced by refugees in the area known as 'the jungle,' Maya felt a compelling urge to offer a gesture of light and creative connection. With leftover materials from recent UK lantern workshops, the idea arose to travel to Calais and share the joy of lantern making with the community there.

This vision led to a collaboration with Good Chance Theatre, an extraordinary organisation that had established a temporary theatre space – 'the Dome' – within the heart of the jungle. Good Chance provided a vital hub for creative expression and community building, offering a unique context for this project.

Despite the short timeframe for organisation, Maya embarked on a determined effort to gather additional materials and make the journey to Calais in December. Over a week, lantern-making workshops were held within the Dome, bringing together children and adults from the camp. A friend and fellow volunteer eloquently described upon returning: 'The workshops were enjoyed by children and adults, and as the beautiful lanterns were crafted, something more than light was brought to life. There was a sense of peace as people escaped for a few moments, focused on creating something with their hands. There was hope in the form of lanterns shaped like lorries, boats, and even a rocket to bring people to a better life. Small LED lights lit smiles on strangers' faces, and friendships were formed.'

While a planned lantern procession through the camp was deemed too risky, the culmination of the workshops was a beautiful light show held within the Dome. This shared experience offered a moment of respite and collective creativity in a challenging environment.

These Lantern Workshops and indeed the Good Chance creative space in the Calais dome, stand as a powerful example of how art can transcend language and circumstance, offering moments of peace, hope, and connection in even the most difficult situations. The experience left a profound and lasting impact, highlighting both the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creative collaboration in the face of adversity.