The Story.
Bold Voices is a collaborative music video project celebrating queer identity, self-expression, and creative courage. Bringing together students, technicians, lecturers from Norwich University of the Arts, and industry collaborators, it explores how sound and visual storytelling can amplify queer voices that deserve to be seen and heard. Across multiple creative disciplines, the project culminates in an original song and music video titled Spring.
The Song.
Students developed lyrics, shaped verses and choruses, and experimented with different voices, bringing ideas to life with support from singer-songwriter Phoebe Troup. It’s a collaborative journey that shows how the final track was built.
The Masks.
Students began bringing their identities to life in the first visual workshop with third-year fine art student Michelle Gumbo. Each chose a flower to represent themselves and transformed it into a mask using latex and natural materials. With Michelle’s guidance, they experimented freely, creating a diverse range of masks that capture personal narratives and the song’s lyrics.
The Props.
Students worked with 3D Fabrication Technician James Burkill in the 3D workshop at Norwich University of the Arts, exploring how the song’s lyrics and narrative could inspire interactive props. Each student experimented with materials to create objects that express their own interpretation of the track and could be used dynamically in the music video performance.
The Photography.
Working with Norwich-based portrait photographer Frances Kennedy, students explored how to express their own identity through lo-fi, raw, and authentic portrait photography. The project encouraged them to step into the role of band members, singers, songwriters, producers, and multidisciplinary creatives, using art direction to reflect their personal narratives, personality, and creative vision. This process became a space to experiment with honest visual storytelling and develop a distinctive voice as emerging artists.
The Outfits.
Students worked with Fashion graduate Leo Lovejoy to create outfits inspired by the themes of nature, renewal, and growth. Using reclaimed and donated garments from Nansa, naturally dyed fabrics, and hand-woven floral details, each outfit celebrated individuality, self-expression, and sustainability.
The Music Video.
For the music video, we worked with Film and Production Manager Evie Calaby to secure the perfect Norfolk location. Filmed at the expansive and isolated Waxham Beach, the rugged coastline, reeds, and still waters provided a striking backdrop that perfectly complemented the project's authentic, personal, and diaristic approach.
The Design.
Bold Voices visual identity draws on themes of queer ecology, growth, and transformation to establish a raw, nature-led design language rooted in authenticity and lived experience. Inspired by the symbolism of pollen and the song Spring, the visual system celebrates connection, resilience, and the non-linear nature of queer identity. It embraces imperfection, vulnerability, and the beauty of becoming, forming a fluid identity that reflects both individual stories and collective growth.
The Launch
The Bold Voices launch took place at Moosey Gallery in Norwich on Friday, 10 July 2026. The immersive exhibition celebrated the project's full creative journey, showcasing every stage of its development—from songwriting, prop-making, and mask and costume design to photoshoots, branding, and music video production. The event culminated in the premiere of the track and its accompanying music video, bringing the entire creative process to life.
Let’s connect.
Curious to find out more, host a talk, collaborate, or help champion the project? We’re always open to conversations that spark new ideas and creative possibilities.
Whether you’re interested in bringing the project to your space, working together on a collaboration, or supporting the work in some way, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let’s continue
the conversation. ✨