FUZE Bristol: Nurturing creativity during the COVID crisis

FUZE Bristol: Nurturing creativity during the COVID crisis

Posted on: 15 Jan 2021

We caught up with the celebrated student-run collective to find out how they're adapting to the pandemic.

 

While virtually every industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, few have been taken apart as drastically as the creative sector. Across all disciplines – from music and art to fashion, dance and everything in between – creators have seen venues and studios close, events get cancelled en masse, sales dwindle and opportunities to share work disappear over the past nine months. 

 

While successful, established artists have been able to utilise large online audiences to stay afloat throughout the pandemic, thousands of young creatives have been left with nowhere to showcase their work and no-one to share their ideas with at a crucial early point in their careers, left to wonder whether a path into their chosen industry is viable.

 

 

At times like these, it’s vital that creative people are able to access resources and platforms to share and develop their work. That’s where Bristol-based, student-run collective FUZE come in. 

 

With more uncertainty ahead, and no guarantee when or how the UK will start to recover in 2021, FUZE are tentatively moving forward with plans to host one of their biggest-ever annual shows in late Spring. Recently we caught up with FUZE Director Alice Sutton to find out how they’ve adapted to the new normal, and what they’re doing to give young people the best chance to thrive in these unprecedented times.

FUZE Bristol.

What is FUZE?

 

Put simply, FUZE is one of the UK’s largest student-run creative organisations. Launched in 2003 as an annual fashion show, the project has developed over the years into a practical networking hub for creatives and a vital platform for young people in and around Bristol.

 

Well over 200 people now make up the FUZE community, from models and dancers to artists, musicians and designers, led by a core team of directors that change over each year. Months of hard work and organisation goes into their flagship annual event, which takes place in the Spring and has now morphed into an innovative fusion of music, fashion, performance art and more.

 

The team proudly maintain a connection with their surroundings in Bristol, working with some of the city’s top venues and contributing to a wide range of local charities. Through various sponsored events, FUZE have raised money for Black South West Network, Art Refuge and Second Step among others, with donations totalling over £120,000 to date.

 

 

How does FUZE benefit young creatives?

 

From offering education and workshop opportunities to linking people up with like-minded individuals and organisations to develop their work, FUZE is dedicated to carving out viable paths into the creative industries.

 

The team of directors act as mentors for other FUZE members, providing opportunities to learn and experiment, and linking them up with others who might be able to develop their ideas. In an industry renowned for being intimidating at many levels, FUZE represents a safe space for young people to explore and share their work with like-minded people who are, in most cases, at similar stages of their creative careers.

 

 

It’s the extensive support network that FUZE have cultivated that has proved most effective for its members, with people involved encouraged to collaborate with one another and offer insight into each other’s projects. A bedroom producer, for example, might feel more confident to share their music outside their friend group once they’ve worked with someone else to fine-tune it.

 

There’s stacks of evidence of the group’s effectiveness in introducing people into real-life creative roles, too. FUZE alumni have worked on major UK festivals, gained experience on TV and radio, and even supported and toured alongside world-renowned artists like Dua Lipa in recent years – an impressive return for an organisation run solely by students.

 

How has FUZE adapted in response to the COVID crisis?

 

The creative sector has taken a huge hit as a result of the pandemic, and although FUZE are no exception, its core team of directors have been working tirelessly to support members and keep things running since life came to a halt last spring.

 

For a project so dependent on interaction and networking, lockdowns and restrictions on face-to-face contact have caused problems. Where, in normal circumstances, the team would have weekly meetings and get together at regular social events, the pandemic has completely altered the way the directors communicate and organise their schedule.

 

 

Socials have been replaced by Zoom quizzes, meetings are taking place over the phone and directors are keeping in touch with contributors via social media, but crucially, the team are keeping things ticking along.

 

Last October saw FUZE take over Lakota Gardens for a huge casting day as part of one of the biggest socially-distanced events of the year. Over 300 people were involved as the team chose performers and assigned stage roles, with people alternating shifts and pitching in however they could to ensure things ran smoothly. In typical FUZE style, the event still managed to raise more than £1700 in support of charity despite COVID-related limitations.

 

 

What’s in store this year?

 

Usually at this stage of the year, FUZE have established the running order for their show, confirmed performers and are well underway with rehearsal sessions. Amid the ongoing pandemic however, and following successive lockdowns either side of Tier 3 restrictions, their upcoming show is behind schedule.

 

Assuming people are allowed to gather by then – things aren’t looking good right now – it’s hoped that FUZE’s 2021 Annual Show will be able to take place before the summer. The team are currently exploring venue options for another huge showcase of fashion, music, dance and more.

Backstage at FUZE 2020. Photo: Alice SuttonBackstage at FUZE 2020. Photo: Alice Sutton

 

The theme for this year’s show, Utopia, will (hopefully) see FUZE produce an idealised world on stage, an interpretation of the ‘new normal’ and an exploration of what perfection really looks like. The idea is that the show projects an idea of what the creative industries could be, with a focus on community values, mutual support and real diversity.

 

Of course, with so many events and projects disrupted by the pandemic so far, there’s no knowing where we’ll be in the coming months or if FUZE will be able to host anything in person at all – watch this space.

 

 

How can I get involved?

 

Like any creative organisation, the best way to get to know FUZE is through their social media channels. Their Instagram account is regularly updated with showcases of members’ work, employment opportunities and more, and the team make an effort to respond to contact, interact with followers and celebrate achievements at every turn.

 

FUZE also host regular virtual workshops, live sessions and talks, encouraging those not already involved to join in, engage with members and find out whether or not they can benefit from being a part of a rapidly-growing collective.

 

To find out more about FUZE Bristol, you can explore their regularly-updated blog for insights into a wide range of topics and social issues, from concerns regarding fast fashion to explorations of race, gender and more.

 

FUZE are always available to chat via their social channels. Find them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or get in touch with the team via email.

 

Main Image: Photos by Alice Sutton

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.