Flare

Flare is a youth group concept based in Bradford, UK, addressing racism and high crime by bringing young people together through music. Following the 2001 Bradford race riots, many buildings were left derelict and remain abandoned to this day. Flare aims to reimagine these spaces as community hubs that celebrate culture and foster a sense of pride among local youth. I pitched the concept to four other students at the University of Lincoln; three graphic designers and an illustrator. Harry Pain and I visited Bradford at the outset to conduct primary research and gather imagery for mock-ups, with the 'Flare building' itself being one of the structures left derelict since the riots. This became a true passion project, with the team returning monthly to develop it throughout the year. Everyone involved was awarded a UoL Graphite Crayon for stand-out work, and the project also received the Creative Conscience Bronze Award.