A case study talk for arts + cultural sector workers, artists, and policy makers. A deep dive into Millfield of Dreams by Mark Murphy.
How do you create top quality art, with meaningful involvement from communities, when people are stretched for time? How does art shine a light on people and places in an authentic way, where they become the stars of the show?
Mark Murphy (Artist), Charley Genever (Community Producer, Peterborough Presents) and Simon Martin (Headteacher, Gladstone Primary Academy) in conversation about the journey and learning from Millfield of Dreams. This talk was an honest insight into the realities of co-creating a short film which has been hailed as โa love letter to Millfieldโ, โamazing, world classโ, and โa ******* brilliant film!!โ by participants, residents, and stakeholders.
By constructing an artistic framework that allows for a completely unique and bespoke production, completely shaped by people and place, Millfield of Dreams enabled residents of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities, and busy life stuff, an equal opportunity to be involved. As well as discuss the learning, successes and challenges, Mark, Charley and Simon discussed what next for both the film, the framework, and implementing the lessons learnt during the project. This video is perfect for Creative People & Places, NPOs, LCEPs, Cultural Compacts, and any arts workers or organisations who work in a place-based, co-creation, or community engagement way. We hope youโll come away feeling inspired, armed with some tips and tricks to support your own co-creation, and perhaps inspired to commission your own co-created film project like Millfield of Dreams.
Grab a cuppa, and enjoy this 75min deep dive.
Watch Millfield of Dreams Case Study Talk
About Millfield of Dreams
Millfield of Dreams is a film by Mark Murphy, co-created with the people of Millfield, Gladstone and New England in Peterborough. Over 100 local residents and community groups came together to showcase the vibrant and diverse heart of these communities through film. People from all walks of life participated, including current and past residents, community and cultural leaders, school children, families, sports clubs and businesses.
During February 2025, we turned Gladstone Primary Academy into a film studio for our cast and turned the neighbourhood of Millfield into a live set: using drones and roving cameras to film the city and the surrounding fenland landscape. Throughout the shoot, our community cast were the stars, taking part in a variety of scenes that showcased their talents, drew out their emotions and celebrated their heritage.
The film is a joyful reflection of Millfieldโs rich, cultural mosaic and a celebration of everyday lives which beautifully unites all backgrounds and faiths.
Watch Millfield of Dreams
About Mark Murphy
With a remarkable career spanning theatre, TV, film, outdoor spectacles, major civic celebrations, and global sporting ceremonies, his impressive portfolio includes numerous theatre shows, collaborations with Kylie Minogue, BBC1โs Countryfile as well as large-scale events for the Manchester, Melbourne and Glasgow Commonwealth Games ceremonies and cultural festivals and shows for the Liverpool and Turku European Capital of Culture opening nights.
Watch some examples of Markโs previous projects here
About Gladstone Primary Academy
Gladstone Primary Academy is a multicultural primary academy near the centre of Peterborough. The academy has excellent facilities, including a large 4G pitch, learning centre, halls and computer rooms, and benefits from being part of Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET), a Cambridgeshire-based multi-academy trust.
