The Shack at Brainchild Festival 2021

The pavilion is rooted in the intimacy between people and the natural environment. The geometric shapes and reflected iridescent colours both draw in festival-goers to gather and enjoy performances, while mirrors camouflage the structure by reflecting the surrounding forest.

The Shack Collective was inspired by the inversion of a forest reflected in a body of water, and how these reflections create an infinite space between earth and sky. At night, the painted board edges become part of a light show which transports dancers to another world.

The stage was self-built by the Black women-led collective of designers working across arts, architecture and eco-design. After a year of being disconnected from communities, the collective was formed and won the open competition held by the Brainchild Festival. The group includes Artist Seyi Adelekun, Shanice Abbey, Lauren Rechere, Fussilat Ibrahim, Rosie Murphy, Hannah Burrough, and Architect Christopher Bradley.

Marina Blake (commissioning client and creative director Brainchild) said: ‘We’ve been deeply impressed and inspired by the vision and ambition of the team for the Shack stage this year. The vistas it created truly delivered on the vision to combine the natural forest surroundings with the artists playing.

‘Several times I caught it at an angle that took my breath away; many artists told me that it was the most perfect setting for their first performance after lockdown. The team should be congratulated for creating such a bold and elegant place for us to come together with nature, music and each other after so long.’