Islands of Imagination: Celebrating Folklore, Community, and Cross-Cultural Creativity on Portland
Portland resident, costume designer and community artist Sophie Fretwell led a celebration of the weird and wonderful folklore of her home island, and creatively combined it with the mythology of another island: Japan.
This collaborative and community-focused project included 17 events across three months, culminating in a takeover of b-side festival’s much-loved annual Parade.
Where It Began
Islands of Imagination began with Sophie’s interest in the folklore of Portland and her conversations with locals about the “Keep Portland Weird” mantra; a resistance to the pressures of gentrification and a celebration of Portland’s unique and sometimes eccentric culture. A chance conversation with a friend in Japan sparked the idea of connecting Portland’s lore with Japanese folklore.
Through funding of £30,000 from Arts Council England, Sophie and her team brought this vision to life. Sophie brought Artists from Japan to Portland to create new artworks, music and experiences with the community.
Cultures and Communities Collide
Islands of Imagination became a platform for inclusivity and community-building. Each event encouraged community members to express themselves in ways that celebrated both local heritage and contemporary culture, providing a place where everyone, from locals to newcomers, could feel at home.
Here are some of the standout events:
The Spirit of Portland: Inspired by Japan’s spirits and supernatural beings called Yōkai, Portland’s youngest residents designed their own Spirits of Portland. Artist Shiori Asami reimagined them as Manga-inspired creatures, and fused aspects of them together into the final ‘Spirit of Portland,’ unveiled to the public at the final event for the project.
Youth Workshops: With funding from Dorset Council, Sophie collaborated with Islanders Youth and Community Centre to host workshops on Japanese art and culture. These workshops reached disadvantaged young people, offering them a safe space to explore new ideas and engage with art in an accessible way.
Musical Highlights: The eclectic lineup featured one-man-band ICHI, Portland’s new “Underground Mutton” Punk band, created for this project, and punk rock artist Seiko Nemoto (i-nichi) from Japan who wrote a song about Portland’s iconic bunnies. These performances introduced the community to an unconventional mix of Japanese punk and local flair.
The Parade: The project finale was b-side’s largest parade to date. It attracted over 200 people, many of whom donned costumes. Easton Gardens came alive with bunnies, mythological creatures, illuminated puppets by Emerald Ant, created with residents of Bibby Stokholm and their Afghanistan group, and the new Spirit of Portland was revealed.
Looking ahead, Sophie hopes to continue Islands of Imagination and eventually bring Portland artists to Japan, extending the cross-cultural exchange that has defined the project.
A Catalyst for Creative Change
Islands of Imagination brought Portland’s folklore to life and strengthened the island’s sense of identity. Sophie’s passion for fostering a sense of belonging and creativity in her community turned her project into a beloved celebration of Portland’s quirks and culture. As she works to carry this legacy forward, Islands of Imagination stands as a powerful example of how art can unite, inspire, and bring communities closer to their roots, while opening doors to the world beyond.
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Images by Jayne Jackson featuring birds by Emerald Ant CIC's Art and Friendship Group.