Urban Motivation began in 2012 and is based at Wac Arts which offers young people aged 5-26, inclusive performing arts and media programmes, on weekday evenings and weekends.
The Urban Motivation group meets every Wednesday evening, during the term time, to work on projects. The group welcomes young people aged 18-26 years old with disabilities, using dance, drama, music and assistive technology to creatively explore the world around them.
This year, with support from Camden Can’s Innovation fund, the group began work on a new project. Together, using the skills they have learnt through being a part of Urban Motivation, they have created an inclusive multiplayer video game named ‘Bare Peas’. They thought about how to include people of all levels of ability so that everyone can participate. “You can play with arms or legs, or any part of the body really” said Anais, 22.
The game encompasses movement, music, technology, teamwork and above all it is inclusive. It proves as a fun and unique way of inspiring activeness and movement. Chas, Urban Motivation’s group leader says, “Our students have ensured the game is as fun and physically demanding as possible whilst being accessible to everyone.”
“It’s all about enjoying yourself, that’s what Bare Peas is all about.” Says Kiaus, 21, who attends the group weekly, has been attending Wac Arts since he was 12 years old. Kiaus helped to produce the accompanying music for Bare Peas.
Shanice, 27 said “As we’ve got a disabilities, we are all different in a good way. If we were all the same, it would be boring. When we play Bare Peas, you get to dance which keeps you fit, whilst always having fun. Every time you dance, you can always be yourself”.
Bare Peas will be touring different events around the borough, so be sure to try it out when you come across it!