Bringing Space to Sussex: Creative Space Science
Hastings couple, Simon and Melanie Davies launched a mobile planetarium business following a Start Up Loan.
Creative Space Science CIC is a social enterprise and Community Interest Company offering astronomy outreach with the ambition to influence and inspire the next generation of space scientists.
“We aim to use our unique mix of creativity, knowledge and experience to offer the highest-quality learning resources available and to educate our audiences by sharing our passion for space. We have run a series of visits to primary and secondary schools on lunar-themed Apollo Mission Days. At one point there were 37 year nine students in the planetarium watching immersive space films. Over 500 pupils passed through and experienced the planetarium over three days. We are confident about its future success and are looking to create further space events and school activities throughout the year.”
Students were encouraged to create their own ‘Moon-art’ and ‘lunar literacy’ producing some fascinating artwork. Everyday items such as flour, hot chocolate powder and cooking oil were utilised to create the effect of a meteor landing on the moon’s surface as well as taking part in a citizen science project.
Melanie and Simon got in touch with the Start Up Loan team to secure funding for equipment from the USA to get their new business off the ground when it was launched in 2015. They also managed to secure East Sussex County Council ESI4 grant funding through Inward Investment Agency Locate East Sussex, plus additional support from Hastings Round Table and Magdalen and Lasher Charity to support their exciting venture.
“There’s no such thing as boring science in my world. It adds colour and meaning to our existence.”
The company has grown from a seed of an idea into a business inspiring and educating people of all ages and abilities to learn more about the world we live in.
Creative Space CIC continues to expand today and we’re excited to see what the future holds for both Melanie and Simon.