The South West Culture Digest - September 2021
Though we’ve been treated to some warm sunshine this month, there’s no mistaking that it’s ‘back to school’ time. But as the nights draw in the cultural lights of the south west will not be dimmed.
In this September edition of the South West Culture Digest, we explore what our newly published Delivery Plan means for the region, share a new Q&A with an award-winning author, celebrate some funding news and shine a spotlight on the fabulous arts and cultural activity taking place in Dorset this autumn.
If you have a story you’d like to share with us, email us at sw.comms@artscouncil.org.uk and we’ll do our best to include it in a future issue.
Good news
Our new place-based approach with 11 south west priority places
We’ve announced a new place-based approach as part of our Delivery Plan for 2021-24 with 11 priority places across the South West - from the unspoilt Isles of Scilly up to the cathedral city of Gloucester and over to rural New Forest! The three-year Delivery Plan sets out our commitment to deepen and accelerate the way we work in different geographic areas, including working in a more targeted way with 11 priority places across the South West to bring more cultural experiences to communities that have been underserved in the past.
Find out more about the 11 South West priority places >
Award-winning author shares his thoughts on his new podcast and how creativity can support wellbeing
Bristol-based Nathan Filer, best known for his debut novel, Shock of the Fall, about a young man coming to terms with the death of his brother, is now releasing his first podcast series. The podcast, funded through our National Lottery Project Grants, draws upon Nathan’s skills and experience as a mental health nurse and invites us to consider challenging emotions by listening to real-life stories and hearing from world-leading experts and therapists. We caught up with Nathan to find out about his transition from the written to the spoken word and how this funding has enabled such a shift.
Raising the profile of contemporary arts in Somerset
18 September – 3 October sees the return of Somerset Art Works’ Open Studio with their largest event ever, showcasing work from over 300 creatives in 200 studios. This year’s event has an increased focus on accessibility for visitors with a brand new Open Studios App and an online interactive map, where you can get the lowdown on the artist and artforms at each venue. If you are unable to attend in person or can’t make it to all of the locations, these new platforms are a great way to explore the event digitally and experience what the Somerset art scene has to offer.
Opportunities
Knowle West Media Centre offer a residency role to artists from working class communities
Knowle West Media Centre and the Working-Class Writers Festival, ClassFest, are welcoming applications from writers, storytellers, scriptwriters, poets, spoken word and other artists from working-class communities. The residency role, funded through our National Lottery Project Grants funding programme, will require the chosen writer to respond to the needs and interests of the communities in Knowle West through workshops and other creative activities. Find out more >
Ad Infinitum is recruiting three new Trustees for their board
Ad Infinitum is recruiting three Trustees, with a focus on artists and freelancers working in the cultural sector; people with experience of working with and in communities and people who have experience of working in policy-making, diversity and inclusion, social activism and human rights. Lived experience is of equal importance to professional achievements. Applications from people of colour and D/deaf and disabled people are particularly encouraged. Deadline 24 September. Find out more >
Beyond Face are looking for a Freelance Campaign Storyteller
Are you a freelancer who can support Beyond Face in telling their story? With a rebrand underway, the team are ready to shout about their achievements and reach out to even more audiences, artists and young people. Apply by 4 October 2021. Find out more >
Funding news
National Lottery Project Grants
In August, we invested £1.26m in 49 projects across the south west through National Lottery Project Grants. These projects will create new opportunities, engage diverse audiences in the arts and bring a variety of rich cultural experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds across the south west, thanks to the National Lottery and its players.
The funding will unite the community of Basingstoke in cultural celebrations; commission the work of black and ethnically diverse tattoo artists in Cornwall; generate new opportunities for artists in Test Valley and LGBTQIA+ creatives in Exeter; bring connection and enterprise to the youth groups in Plymouth, support theatre projects in Bristol schools and engage diverse audiences with musical instruments in Torbay.
We were delighted to award Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty £100k through National Lottery Project Grants for their fantastic Creative Biosphere project. Uniting the objectives of Cultural Education Partnership and Isle of Wight UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this one year project combines arts, heritage and environmental organisations with secondary schools. Together, they will remove the existing barriers that prevent children and young people from participating in creative activities which will in turn improve social mobility, aspirations and access to cultural facilities for young people on the island. Brilliant stuff!
Find out more about these projects >
SW Spotlight: Dorset
There is a wealth of creative activity happening in Dorset this month including a festival showcasing the very best in contemporary art made in response to the beautiful and intriguing Isle of Portland; a touring theatre show featuring real life stories told though live circus, music and film; an international outdoor arts festival; and the best display of historic moving armour in the world!
