Overview
We all love to daydream. Don't deny it. It is a valuable skill we learned during our formative years (for me it was during maths class) to let our imagination run wild. In our minds we could do anything, be anything, have anything, but over the years we all stopped daydreaming. Reality set in and our lives became full of deadlines, rush hour commutes and family commitments — you know, life stuff.
Lucid is a collective of creative minds that never stopped daydreaming, and they do their darndest to remind everyone in Brisbane how great our imaginations are and what they can actually do for our city's culture. This weekend, Lucid are hosting the Daydream Festival in Acland Lane, a massive street party with amazing art, food and music for everyone to enjoy (as well as a whole bunch of holi powder!). It is a remarkable idea, one that combines our love for a good party with the thriving elements of Brisbane's culture.
We spoke to Ruben Laukkonen, the executive director of Lucid and one of the founding members of the collective, about what Lucid is trying to do for Brisbane and what we can expect from the Daydream Festival on February 15.
Thanks for talking to us Ruben! First of all, tell us how Lucid started.
We were just a couple of reckless youths with some miscellaneous skills. The original idea was to bring creative young people together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. We started out by offering our artists and ourselves out for hire. In the back of our minds, we knew we wanted to engage a broader population, and so the concept evolved, and so did our projects.
What did you want to achieve with Lucid in the beginning? In other words, what did you think Brisbane was missing that you think you provide?
To be completely honest, Lucid has a message, and this particular message is difficult to communicate. We needed to find a way to share our ideas and our philosophy with the general public, so we had to be creative.
We think Brisbane is missing a meaningful cultural narrative that defines our young people in a positive way. A big part of our intention is to bring people together to celebrate the positive aspects of our community. Our young people love to party, we have a lot of underground talent in music and art, and Lucid is aiming to create a space where nobody is an audience and everyone participates in creating something meaningful and transformative.
Generally speaking, we value many of the same concepts as our '60s and '70s festival predecessors: creativity, freedom, unity, community, self expression, and music.
How has the group grown since the beginning?
We started out as two mates, one psychology student, and one professional rugby player (and DJ), who by some happenstance had the drive to create what I just described. This was back in 2011; today our team includes several producers, DJs, photographers, graphic designers, painters, bands, film and visual effects students. Our strength comes from our diversity.
What are some of the great things about the Brisbane cultural scene as it stands now?
There are a bunch of local venues around Brisbane that promote art openly and without constraints. I think our young locals sometimes underestimate themselves, we're a pretty clever and creative bunch of people who know how to have a good time, and there are a number of places and events that are uncovering this positive side in Brisbane's cultural scene.
How did the idea for the Daydream Festival come about?
This really comes back to Lucid's message. Here's a few paragraphs from the 'Daydream Manifesto' that might give you an idea:
'Be a part, not apart, in celebrating local music and art'
...
Imagine a colourful place, with art, food, and bass.
Picture a Brisbane alleyway, not looking quite as grey.
A place where bands and 'bangers' mash,
and 'holi' colours pave the way.
....
Become a part, of something great,
express yourself without restraint,
for one day, let's not draw lines,
let's daydream together,
and forget our divides.
Was there anything in particular that you wanted to do with Daydream Festival to make it stand out?
The Daydream Festival is intended to be half party, half movement. We're hoping that it stands out because there's a little less ego, there's a little more sharing, a little less fighting, and a little more freedom to express yourself.
What are some individuals or organisations in Brisbane that you think are doing great things and are 'thinking outside the box' creatively?
Coniston Lane has had a few killer events recently and The Fort before it closed down. But we particularly like what the crew from 'Lost Movements' has been doing.
I don't know about you, but that is a kind of movement I can get behind. Daydream Festival takes place in Acland Lane, Fortitude Valley and will feature live performances from Tyler Touche, Jordan Rakei, Young Franco, Brat Camp, Chanel Van Tovier, Little Casino and heaps more.
Get your tickets here.