Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is now coming to a close and a priority is ensuring that the learning gathered is effectively disseminated to all who may find it useful. As a result, the Critical Mass Playbook has now been published online.
What was Critical Mass? Critical Mass was an inclusive dance project that engaged 242 young people (aged 16-30) in 600+ classes, rehearsals and performances over a 14-month period in the lead up to the Games, which aimed to redefine genuine inclusion in mega-events. ​Participants formed an integrated mass cast with 45% self-identifying as disabled, neurodivergent or living with a long-term health condition.​ Together they danced their way through key moments of Birmingham 2022 Festival and were a central part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. The project was a unique collaboration between Birmingham 2022 Festival, Fabric, Arts Connect and the Dance Development Leaders Group. It was generously supported by Spirit of 2012 the London 2012 legacy funder.
What is the Critical Mass Playbook? The Critical Mass Playbook is an amalgamation of the projects learnings and can act as a useful guide for anyone taking on an inclusive project of this nature. You will find reflections and lessons learned from Critical Mass as well as practical hints and tips across areas of project design and set-up, delivery and close-down. It is an interactive PDF that means you can easily jump to the sections most useful for you.
