Boom Clap Play Unveils “Wiggle Room”: An Interactive work that melds Art, Technology, and Play at Belfast 2024

An immersive experience designed with children, for children, set to transform the landscape of play in Northern Ireland

Boom Clap Play, a studio known for pushing the boundaries of children’s entertainment, is proud to announce the launch of “Wiggle Room”(Link opens in new window), an interactive art installation commissioned by Belfast 2024. This innovative space invites children to explore and transform through movement and play, bridging the gap between traditional playgrounds and the limitless possibilities of the digital world.

Wiggle Room is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5 pm until 29 November. It’s on the 3rd floor of The Mac and is free entry.

“Movement is the essential rhythm of life, and through Wiggle Room, we wanted to create a space where that rhythm can be both seen and felt,” said Andrew McHugh, Creative Director at Boom Clap Play. “Our goal was to craft an environment that respects the innocence and spontaneity of free play while introducing layers of creative complexity that surprise, inspire and engage.”

Collaborative Creation

The development of Wiggle Room was a collective effort, deeply rooted in community collaboration. Boom Clap Play partnered with Big Motive, a research and design agency, and PlayBoard NI, Northern Ireland’s leading charity for the promotion of children’s play.

“Creating Wiggle Room was a journey of discovery and co-creation,” noted Johnathan Sung, Art Director at Boom Clap Play. “We involved children at every stage, from sketching and sculpting to building towers and forts. Their imaginations shaped the vibrant, hyper-colour universe of the installation.”

Child-Centred Design

Involving children aged 6–11 in the design process was pivotal. Guided by principles from Big Motive’s Kids First report and supported by play workers from PlayBoard NI and YMCA Bangor, the team facilitated engaging workshops that were both fun and insightful. Activities included brainstorming sessions, exploring creative references, and iterative sketching—allowing the children to become active creators of their environment.

“By incorporating children’s perspectives, we crafted an experience that is not just for them but with them,” added Andrew McHugh. “This approach ensures that the Wiggle Room is a space where they feel seen, heard, and inspired.”

Looking Ahead

As Belfast 2024 enters its final season, Wiggle Room will stand as a testament to the power of imagination, collaboration, and the transformative potential of play. Boom Clap Play plans to continue its partnership with PlayBoard NI and Big Motive on future projects, aiming to inspire children and communities across Northern Ireland and beyond.

For more information visit the Belfast 2024 website (Link opens in new window) or follow Boom Clap Play on Instagram @boom_clap_play. (Link opens in new window)

About Boom Clap Play

Founded by David and Andy, Boom Clap Play is a studio with a childlike spirit at its core. Dedicated to blending creativity, technology, and play in unexpected ways, the studio has crafted everything from puppet stories to cosmic immersive experiences. Wiggle Room represents their latest venture into creating spaces where movement, play, and technology converge