GREAT ART in Lancashire
Lancashire Arts Development Team Annual Report 2014-15
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Contents 3 Intro 4 About us 5-11 Organisations funded in 2014/15 12-13 First Bite Funding 2014/15 14-18 Projects funded in 2014/15 19 Facts & Figures 20 Contact Us
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Intro During 2014-15, the Arts sector in Lancashire created and presented extraordinary and amazing programmes of artistic activity whilst facing the challenge of adapting to change and the difficult financial climate. In 2015-16 we are working with the arts sector to develop new models to support a robust Lancashire arts infrastructure. We have many challenges ahead. In an environment of increasing financial pressures on public services, it is more important than ever that we champion great art, independent thinking and support the well-being of our communities. What we know with confidence, is that arts have the ability to reach people and secure a huge economic and social return for its investment. The Arts in Lancashire is rooted in, and reflects, communities across the county and work produced has a substantial impact on social and community cohesion and the health and well-being of Lancashire. Through our partnership role with Arts Lancashire, arts organisations, local authorities, the Forest of Bowland AONB and Arts Council England, the Arts Development team is proud that our support has enabled significant additional investment to reach the county for the benefit of Lancashire residents. 2014-15 was a record year for great achievements in the arts including: Bowland Revealed commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Forest of Bowland designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – 6.81 million people saw Bowland Revealed's 'Landmarks' and the beauty of Lancashire via the BBC1 Countryfile programme with 20,000+ visitors seeing the real thing – a significant contribution to our visitor economy. The Dukes Theatre’s annual outdoor performance brought 14,000+ people to Williamson Park in Lancaster and the collective remembrance of the start of WW1 in 1914 included a number of profound and thought provoking projects including 'War and Weft' and 'Truce' which commemorated 100 years since the Christmas Truces of WW1. Arts Lancashire published their first report 'Have Your Say', reporting on a consultation with audiences, participants and partners. Lancashire County Council arts development support has helped secure these brilliant events for Lancashire working with the arts sector and other partners to achieve ambitious, great quality art for all. These fantastic achievements are not only as a result of our support but a testament to the quality and vibrant nature of the arts sector in the county. Great Art for Everyone is a challenging aspiration but in Lancashire, the quality and range of artistic activity over this period has provided some unforgettable and inspiring moments for its communities, made possible by the strength and ambition of the organisations and artists working in the county. Looking ahead and sensing a renewed collaborative spirit within the sector, we wait for the next instalment that is likely to be as unique and captivating as the landscape in which it is set.
Arts Development Team
Neil Harris Senior Relationship Manager, Arts Council England
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Lancashire Arts Development Team
supporting great art which transforms lives and places Lancashire is a county rich in artistic talent and innovative grass roots working and is home to a raft of arts organisations and artists who excel in theatre, literature, music, dance, and the visual and digital arts; underpinned by a vibrant arts infrastructure that is led by the collective Arts Lancashire. Lancashire Arts Development team works in partnership with other strategic stakeholders to support this infrastructure, thereby ensuring the people of Lancashire have the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide range of high quality arts activities. Our work involves:
Investing through the Cultural Drivers' Investment programme and First Bite Funding to support independent artists, arts organisations and projects in Lancashire; Developing new strategic projects, in partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders, to meet identified need or gaps in provision; Delivering tailored business development support through our Get the Knowledge programme and a monthly e-bulletin, to enable Lancashire artists and arts organisations to flourish; Advocating on behalf of the Arts in Lancashire, across the North West and beyond.
We believe that Lancashire has a strong cultural narrative. Working together across the county we have a powerful, compelling cultural calendar, which, harnessed effectively with a strong joined up narrative will move us to a place where Lancashire holds its own on the national stage, is culturally credible, engaging with artists, audiences and visitors yearround and county wide, making Lancashire become a cultural destination in its own right. Ruth Connor, Chief Executive, Marketing Lancashire
In all that we do we support work that demonstrates: Artistic Impact – work with real artistic vision and ambition Social Impact – clear and measurable benefits for people across Lancashire Economic Impact – clarity on how it contributes to the Lancashire economy in a real sense Financial Match – attracting additional resources into the arts in Lancashire
In 2014/15 we invested £467,000 into 22 organisations and 9 projects.
"Nationally, creative industries are bucking the trend and growing despite the economic downturn, as recently reported by the BBC. Investment now will surely be returned to the region many times over in the future. Lancashire County Council's historic investment in arts and culture communicates clearly the value they have placed on future generations having access to the wide range of benefits that engagement with arts and culture bring. Organisations have told us that the flexibility of county funding has much greater value to them than the sum itself, as it enables them to do the preparatory work necessary to source additional funding for project work, bringing investment into the sector and into Lancashire which otherwise could simply not happen." Derri Burdon, CEO, Curious Minds
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Arts organisations funded through Cultural Driver investment in 2014 -15 Burnley Youth Theatre Douglas Music Dukes Theatre Folkus Horse and Bamboo In-Situ Lancaster Arts Partnership Ludus Dance Mid Pennine Arts More Music Ribcaged
LCC support is vital to MPA’s work. Cultural Drivers contributed a fraction of our turnover, but it gave our trustees the confidence to plan ahead, and to multiply each pound through inward investment from lottery, trusts, Arts Council and more. Partnership work with the Arts Development team has enabled us to make a difference through some important strategic projects. Both investment and collaboration have helped us record some brilliant results this year, like an enormous TV audience for Landmarks and Bowland. Nick Hunt, Creative Director, MPA
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Burnley Youth Theatre
www.burnleyyouththeatre.com
Grant awarded £23,000 External Investment into Lancashire £97,733 Burnley Youth Theatre is an arts organisation which delivers high quality arts to children, young people and families. They are based at Burnley Arts Centre, which is made up of two buildings: including a 158 seat theatre, 3 studio spaces and 2 outdoor spaces. They are a National Portfolio Organisation (one of only 9 in Lancashire from a national portfolio of 664). In 2014-15 Lancashire County Council Arts investment funded the development of the Burnley Arts Centre and the organisation to build on their position as one of the country’s most significant cultural spaces. They have seen an increase in audiences through their professional theatre programme ‘On Tour’ and alternative arts programme ‘The Big 10’. BYT have also focused some of this development on engaging under 5s and their families. They have also offered a range of events to diversify audience including an Artisan Market and Gala for local businesses.
"Absolutely phenomenal. Honestly this was one of the best theatrical experiences I have ever participated in." - On 'The Space' a piece devised by Burnley Youth Theatre (pictured).
Total new works commissioned 14 Total performances 91 Social Impact... participants 4,177 audience 8,980 workshops/participatory sessions 2,981 Economic impact... artists employed 36 artists' days employed 535 volunteers 110
Douglas Music
www.parbolddouglasmusic.org
Grant awarded £3,000 External Investment into Lancashire £5,039 Douglas Music Society, is a registered charity, who present an annual season of Saturday evening concerts and a piano festival. Our investment in 2014-15 allowed Douglas Music to produce their first International Piano Festival, which brought international concert pianists: Nelson Goerner and Ami and Pascal Rogé and the Pomegranate Piano Trio to Douglas Music's 200 seater venue at Parbold Village Hall. The performances on their Steinway Concert Grand piano took the venue (and the performers!) to new heights. The Young Musician's Showcase also formed part of the festival. Total performances 6 Social Impact... audience 493 workshops/participatory sessions 3 Economic impact... artists employed 7 artists' days employed 9 volunteers 20
"It was a great night (Young Musicians Showcase) and all the performers played so well. Your venue is lovely, the piano sounded incredible and it was a wonderfully organised event!" Audience member. Justin Turnbull (pictured)
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Dukes Theatre
www.dukes-lancaster.org
Grant awarded £165,000 External Investment into Lancashire £1,525,084 The Dukes is Lancashire’s producing theatre and cultural centre. The Dukes specialises in “Made in Lancashire” original productions, is a creativity centre for young people, a receiving venue for the very best national touring performance and an independent cinema and gallery. In 2014/15 they celebrated many successes including: Attracting visitors into Lancashire – over 22% of ticket buyers were from postcodes outside the county; Securing three year funding from Arts Council England becoming a National Portfolio Organisation; 968 performance and exhibition days including 11 new commissions or productions made in Lancashire; 740 media hits for Lancashire including two TV and thirty five radio features - The Journeying Together initiative for people with dementia and their family members featured nationally in The Guardian; The Dukes Creative Learning Department delivered projects across the county and maintained its grading of ‘outstanding’ from Arts Council England; and their work with marginalised communities featured nationally in The Guardian, Radio 4 and on BBC Radio Lancashire. Total new works commissioned 4 Total performances 1056 Social Impact... participants 26,256 audience 114,577 workshops/participatory sessions 870 Economic impact ...artists employed 169 artists' days employed 2,627 volunteers 93 employment development sessions 42
Folkus
www.folkus.co.uk
Grant awarded £4,000 External Investment into Lancashire £22,641 Folkus is a folk arts organisation who celebrate traditional and contemporary folk music, song and dance through their work across Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria. Their annual residential weekend at Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley has become a must for music makers. Our investment meant that Folkus could present 2 fabulous days of music making as part of the Fylde Folk Festival where 200 people attended the workshops over the weekend, as well as enabling them to successfully apply for Arts Council England funding.
"Forget London's Regent's Park open-air shows; this has to be the best outdoor theatre experience in the land." Review by WhatsOnStage, rated 5 stars. On Hansel & Gretel…and Other Tales from the Forest.
"Brilliant tutor. Full of kindness and understanding" Workshop Participant.
Total new works commissioned 5 Total events 30 Social Impact...participants 400 audience 3,000 workshops/participatory sessions 40 Economic impact... artists employed 50 artists' days employed 75 volunteers 20 employment development sessions 20 7
Horse and Bamboo www.horseandbamboo.org Grant awarded £25,000 External Investment into Lancashire £272,222 Horse and Bamboo are a National Portfolio Organisation based at their venue 'The Boo' in Waterfoot, East Lancashire. They produce and present quality theatre with a unique twist using hand-made puppets and masks. They work closely with families and the Asian community in Haslingden. LCC investment meant Horse and Bamboo were able to produce a brand new show – re-telling the classic tale of Hansel + Gretel which toured for almost 5 months and was seen by over 9,000 people nationwide, including many in Lancashire. It also allowed them to lever in substantial investment from other funders – some of which filtered down to finance sets, communications, office supplies and IT support, all of which are supplied by local firms…but it's not all about the money… as their ever popular Puppet Festival proves, with 1,700 audience and participants enjoying this wonderful cultural treat.
"The most amazing show we’ve ever seen at the Puppet festival in all the years we've been coming! Not just every child should see this but the child in everyone should watch this wonderful imaginative show." Audience member.
Total new works commissioned 5 Total performances 153 Social Impact... participants 4,557 audience 4,837 workshops/participatory sessions 129 Economic impact... artists employed 154 artists' days employed 1212 volunteers 172 employment development sessions 8
In-Situ
www.insitu-uk.blogspot.co.uk
Grant awarded £20,000 External Investment into Lancashire £117,759 In-Situ is a not-for-profit artist led organisation based in Brierfield Library, Pendle. Their vision is to bring art into the mix of the existing culture and environment of Pendle: to allow art to be a part of the everyday life. Their work during 2014-15 included: six artist in-residences -including an international residence with Lahore and a Beacon House graduate and a water wheel project. They also welcomed international artist Suzanne Lacy to a presentation in Preston, in partnership with UCLan; and as part of the regeneration of Brierfield Mill by the local developers, they now have the use of a floor within this large former mill. In-situ are also working with local community to save a railway signal box. All their work is made possible through their library hub - embedded artist led practice. Total new works commissioned 20 Total events 23 Social Impact... participants 559 audience 2,972 workshops/participatory sessions 210 Economic impact... artists employed 18 artists' days employed 614 volunteers 5 employment development sessions 5
"In-Situ go from strength to strength. The addition of an arts library in Brierfield makes me want to weep with joy. Everything these three artists think up is truly aweinspiring. Loving the alternative life drawing and the Brierfield wild garden and outdoor kitchen too’" Local Resident.
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Lancaster Arts Partnership
www.artscity.co.uk
Grant awarded £15,000 External Investment into Lancashire £180,812 In 2014-15 our investment meant Lancaster Arts Partnership lit up Lancaster once again during their annual Light Up Lancaster Festival. Thousands of families, enjoyed the amazing showcase of the city and an independent survey showed that 40% of attenders were infrequent attenders of arts and cultural events. The Festival had a very strong impact on many local audience members - many of whom commented on their sense of pride in their city, and the positive effect the event had on their perception of Lancaster as an improving visitor destination. Total new works commissioned 51 Total events 165 Social Impact... participants 3,024 audience 27,193 workshops/participatory sessions 131 Economic impact...artists employed 158 artists' days employed 441 volunteers 110 employment development sessions 35
"Lancaster’s (event) is very creative and individual - you just wouldn't get the same experience anywhere else." Visitor.
Ludus Dance www.ludusdance.org Grant awarded £28,949 External Investment into Lancashire £215,857 Ludus Dance worked with 50 different clients (partners, organisations, stakeholders) in 2014-15 to produce high quality projects across 8 Lancashire districts. 38 Lancashire schools and 12 different community/arts/youth organisations all benefitted from their work and they employed 30 artists. They also increased participants from BME communities. Their highlights included: a Lancashire Youth Dance Festival 2014: a Young Lancashire Arts Award Project, a Primary Teacher Development Programme – working with primary schools in Lancashire to improve dance outcomes within the curriculum; dancing in libraries' through 'Can Dance' and 'Up for Arts'; Dynamite – a Cyber Bullying Tour and performances as part of Light Up Lancaster. Total new works commissioned 12 Total performances/events 49 Social Impact... participants 10,076 audience 6140 workshops/participatory sessions 935 Economic impact... artists employed 30 artists' days employed 299 volunteers 23 employment development sessions 75
"I found the Dynamite Project amazing and I am now more confident." Dancer, Dynamite: Cyber bullying Project.
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Mid Pennine Arts
www.midpenninearts.org.uk
Grant awarded £28,000 External Investment into Lancashire £216,989 MPA is a commissioning agency, creating high quality art in response to the rich and diverse landscape and communities of North West England. Their work is underpinned by community engagement and creative learning activities. Cultural Drivers Investment made it possible for MPA to create a programme of high quality creative work, whilst multiplying their LCC funding ninefold by attracting a wider inward investment. The programme included artist commissions, engagement projects and creative learning opportunities for young people, adults and professionals. LCC's support also enabled some spectacular results, notably with the 'Landmarks' series of commissions on behalf of the partners in Bowland Revealed, and the 1914 centenary project Truce. 6.81m watched the Countryfile coverage - a hugely valuable free advert for Lancashire’s most beautiful corner. The radio audiences for the Truce monologues were another outstanding result and the participant feedback a testament to this powerfully emotional experience for participants and audiences alike.
“Brilliant idea bringing in experts, it helped staff with knowledge and understanding which will feed through to day to day work.” “One of our children is selectively mute at nursery, we were amazed when she joined in the singing at the tea party event, that’s a big breakthrough.” Participants of MPA's 'Wonderful Things in Song' project.
Total new works commissioned 14 Total events 35 Social Impact...participants 6,488 audience 153,752 Economic impact... artists employed 63 artists' days employed 276 volunteers 89 employment development sessions 3
More Music www.moremusic.org.uk Grant awarded £29,000 External Investment into Lancashire £401,347 More Music is a music and education charity based in Morecambe operating from their venue The Hothouse. In 2014/2015 extensive consultation with staff and stakeholders informed the writing of their business plan for 20152018 and contributed to a successful bid to ACE for More Music to continue as a National Portfolio holder. They also received wonderful news that they had been successful in applying to Youth Music (3 year funding) - which meant they will be funded along with 12 other strategic partners around the country, for the development of work with children and young people in challenging circumstances. More Music also enjoyed excellent progress in developing the Hothouse as a venue for exciting, world class music…and kites were catching the wind during their fantastic annual kite festival – their biggest attraction, drawing in thousands of visitors to Morecambe.
The session was awesome. I loved everything that we went through. The musicians were great, very informative and easy to follow. I will look forward to many more training days that are in regards to Indian music. The training day has given me many ideas to take back to my workplace and deliver with GCSE students. Participant and Musician.
Total new works commissioned 15 Total performances/events 215 Social Impact... participants 19,185 audience 62,990 participatory sessions 940 Economic impact... artists employed 79 artists' days employed 712 volunteers 48 employment development sessions 18
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Ribcaged
www.ribcaged.org
Grant awarded £4,600 External Investment into Lancashire £10,137 Ribcaged Productions is an award winning Theatre Company, based in the Ribble Valley. They aim to create exciting, powerful and dynamic theatre that challenges the way we think and feel. Their production ‘Debt’ gave school pupils an insight into what life is really like after school, including money management and mismanagement using real people’s experiences. This production toured secondary schools and venues across Lancashire, reaching 14 schools and over 4,000 pupils. Total new works commissioned 1 Total performances/events 24 Social Impact... participants 13 audience 5,060 workshops/participatory sessions 8 Economic impact... artists employed 9 artists' days employed 9 volunteers 4
"As one of the older people, now in my late 60’s, who attend Ludus classes on a regular basis I am writing in support of Ludus Dance without whom the quality of my life would have been much poorer. Ludus has a very positive attitude to older dancers. People will always want to dance and it is essential that there is somewhere we can go, other than the local nightclub or traditional dance school. We’re never going to dance like Darcy Bussell or Beyonce but sometimes in our minds and on a Monday night at Ludus we do! Isn’t that important? I really have no idea what I would do if the operation of classes were curtailed. It is unique and it would be a disaster for Lancaster and Lancashire." Christine E Bissell - Lancaster resident
"In these times of austerity I can understand that tangible things appear to require priority over the arts but Horse and Bamboo provide a real service to many groups within Rossendale, especially children of all abilities, some with profound disabilities like my nephew, who despite being deaf, found his afternoon at the theatre brilliant and proudly took his shadow puppets home to show his dad." Andrew J Holland, Rossendale resident
"My youngest son had been very poorly and was struggling with his mental health as a result. The Dukes youth programme, particularly the staff involved seem to have 'seen' him like no one at school ever did. He has made friends there that I suspect will be lifelong, he is now hoping for a career in the theatre rather than medicine, but whatever path is his, The Dukes Theatre youth programme has shown him qualities within himself that he now believes in." Lancaster resident
“Fantastic! Brilliant use of humour to cover some very serious issues that will affect all our pupils at some time… fantastic scenes that can be developed further in the lessons that will follow the performance..." Teacher
"Support from Lancashire County Council Cultural Drivers made it possible to engage three superb international pianists for the Piano Festival, and to present the Young Musician's Showcase concert for young performers from across Lancashire and the North West. Without it Lancashire people, of all ages, would never have had these opportunities to engage in or participate in this and be aware of what can be possible.” Michael Bonsall – Chairman, Douglas Music
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Arts organisations funded through First Bite investment in 2014 -15 Action Factory Creative Network Dhamak Foxton Centre La Petit Mort Love & Etiquette Maiden Bridge Resource Creatives Robot Street RSPB Discovery Centre Talk with Leap "Thanks to the opportunities provided through this grant we have received very positive responses from audiences, participants, teachers and arts council. We are now looking onwards to future opportunities." La Petit Mort
"New and different style for me. I found it exciting and really interesting working with new people on new things." 'Cabinet of Curiosities' participant
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First Bite Total of Grants awarded £20,000 External Investment into Lancashire £174,034 Our First Bite funding gives the chance for up and coming arts organisations to get a small grant of up to £2,000 to develop their offer through a project taking place in Lancashire. It must demonstrate quality artistic content, be well planned and managed and involve the public as audience or participants. In 2014 the 11 organisations we funded carried out a range of projects including: An original piece of storytelling through puppetry, music and animation, devised by Rowbot Street; Ivan and the Firebird let children's imagination run free and gave them the chance to meet the puppets at the end of the show; La Petit Mort gave us 'Cabinet of Curiosities', where students and the Head of Dance from Accrington Academy worked on contemporary dance techniques, creative tasks and choreography giving the students a taste of what it's like to work in a professional dance company whilst creating a performance piece. Talk with Leap piloted 2 Creative Freelancers Networks with the aim of creating a structured support network for freelance artists and creative professionals. They worked with partners to create a new database, facebook page and twitter feed, whilst events included specialist speakers covering topics such as fundraising and applying for funding, marketing and pitching…and at the end the feedback was largely 'Please keep the network going'. First Bite also gave the people of Hyndburn Dhol drumming workshops courtesy of Dhamak; 'Our Tommy's War' included three interactive performances and gave children from Deepdale Junior School in Preston the chance to explore World War One through poetry, magic and art whilst gaining a 'Discover' Arts Award – this project was by Resource Creatives; Home, Hidden, Roam', a project by Action Factory, worked with South Asian Heritage Artists and Community; Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Asylum / Refugees and helped build local capacity in areas of low artistic engagement, including taking one participant forward from the refugee community to volunteer and then into paid employment; Creative Network asked for help through First Bite funding to support them with their administration needs which would allow for development and continued success of Chorley Live. The Foxton Centre in Preston worked on a project with They Eat Culture to deliver a programme of contemporary performance and writing workshops, and a public performance based on a 'Foxton' story; 2014 was the year of UK - Russian Year of Culture. Maiden Bridge Art Study Centre and Gallery featured an exhibition by internationally renowned ceramic sculptor and painter Vladimir Tsivin and his artist wife, who were in Residence there during August and September 2014. During that time Tsivin created a major body of work, which feature in the exhibition at Maiden Bridge, and then London in 2015; Love and Etiquette's project promoted BME artists and contemporary Arabic and South Asian arts via creative and music workshops in Burnley and Preston; The RSPB Ribble Discovery Centre celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2014 and First Bite funding meant they were able to do a Community Arts Project involving the local community and schools working with artists to produce an art trail linking the estuary to the centre. What a great range of quality art with many positive outcomes – not forgetting the chance for that organisation to start to flourish. 13
Projects funded in 2014 -15 Blaze Bowland Revealed Get the Knowledge Seminar Programme HOST: Artist Residencies Art Unpacked FirstFloor@Accrington Library, Networked Narrative
"The Arts Development team have been very helpful throughout the project, supporting us through brokering the relationship with Lancs library service, investing in practical facilities which make exhibitions in libraries possible and through supporting marketing activity." Art Unpacked
Spot On Up for Arts
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Blaze www.blazeonline.org.uk
Grant awarded £20,000 Investment into Lancashire £10,000 2014 – 2015 was an exciting year for Blaze where our generation of cultural producers staged a range of events across Lancashire, culminating in the Blaze Festival in October. The highlight event took place in The Harris Museum, Gallery and Library and included Masquerade a murder mystery performance where the audience followed the action across three floors of the building; and immersive screenings of the first three Indiana Jones films. Young people from Burnley, Skelmersdale and Accrington were involved in producing live music, film and art events and a programme of workshops and advice sessions from industry professionals gave young people the chance to ask those burning questions…such as how to make a living in the arts and how to develop a creative career.
Bowland Revealed Grant awarded £15,000 Investment into Lancashire £104,700 Bowland Revealed 2015's programme of contemporary art highlighted the outstanding natural beauty taking the visitor on a journey of artistic discovery whilst exploring the place and meeting artists who were commissioned to bring the Landmarks programme of ambitious temporary artworks within the landscape.
Get the Knowledge Seminar Programme Following on from a series of highly successful seminars in the previous year, Lancashire Arts Development team ran a seminar programme around issues that would help the arts sector to develop. Expert speakers covered topics such as crowdfunding, seeking out and responding to commissions, business models, new opportunities with community space, social media, applying for funding and finally an inspirational session at Parbold Village Hall with Douglas Music, Spot On Rural Touring and Cinema for All talking about how to set up creative communities. 138 people attended at least one seminar; providing the opportunity not just for new learning but also for networking.
"Phew, finally got to the last 2 sculptures today. Spent most of the day driving round Bowland. Wow. There's no-one who could convince me today that it isn't absolutely the most wild, beautiful, emotional and spectacular landscape on the planet." Landmarks visitor.
"Fantastic – I learned what Crowdfunding is and now feel confident enough to have a go". "Good balance of information and break out time, with the opportunity to discuss and talk through ideas". Get the Knowledge Participants. 15
HOST: Artist Residencies In 2014-15 we were fortunate enough to host a fantastic range of artists in residence, including Helen Draper -the Lancashire
Textile Artist Award winner for 2014. This award offers the opportunity for an emerging Lancashire based textile artist to develop the experience and skills necessary to enable their career to take root. They are given a cash bursary and free studio space within Helmshore Mills Textile Museum for a year, with development support to help secure their career into the future. The previous winner of this award, Ormskirk based artist Emma Blackburn, completed her year there with: 'Cotton Folk: the War and the Weft', showcasing two new textile pieces which paid tribute to World War One. Helen completed 2015 with an exhibition showcasing pieces which paid tribute to the WW1 soldiers who worked at Helmshore's Whitaker Mill and Higher Mill. The wearable artwork used antique maps and documents and featured machine embroidery illustrations, screen printing and appliqué. Emma was also busy creating 'The Great People's Poppy', part of 'Truce' – more on these in 'Up for Arts'.
HOST: Art Unpacked Grant awarded £2,000 External Investment into Lancashire £39,400 Chrysalis Arts Development is an arts development agency in North Yorkshire, providing opportunities and development activities for visual artists. Art Unpacked is an initiative to bring high quality contemporary art and craft to rural and disadvantaged audiences, working with an evolving network of venues. In 2014 Art Unpacked came to Lancashire presenting two contemporary art exhibitions; Make it Slow and Unfamiliar Ground at Accrington Library. With a focus on audience and venue development the feedback from visitors and library staff was extremely positive. A further exhibition of Swedish craft is now planned for Nov 2015.
"Came across this exhibition by accident in the middle of a working day. The high quality of the artwork and of the exhibition display walls gave me the feeling of leaving the library and stepping into a good art gallery. … I returned to work in the afternoon with the experience lingering and a sense of feeling mentally refreshed and with a note to myself to get out and see more art in interesting places." Art Unpacked viewer 16
HOST: FirstFloor@Accrington Library The Lecture Hall at Accrington Library was transformed in 2014, allowing the space to become a creative hub. It hosted its first Summer Holiday Arts Programme of music workshops, drawing classes, theatre days, and arts exhibitions; and 'Arts Mash up' days enabled local artists to display and sell their work, as well as enabling collaborative discussion. As part of our 'Remembering WW1' programme, we hosted a range of performances including poet and broadcaster, Ian McMillan and documentary photographer Ian Beesley, who presented their captivating Magic Lantern Tales and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Quartet who filled the space with amazing sound. Three contrasting exhibitions included one curated by Accrington Academy students as part of their 'Access All Areas Festival'. With an increase of 13% footfall into the library over August and September 2014, this was a very positive outcome.
HOST: Networked Narrative Grant awarded £8,000 External Investment into Lancashire £50,000 Networked Narrative aims to empower young people with art and technology, allowing them to participate in and influence the direction of their own lives and that of their community. By doing this, they hope to inspire a new generation of creative producers and for the young people to develop essential life skills, such as self-confidence, anatomy, self-belief and effective communication skills by having a real say in the decision making process. In 2014-15 Networked Narrative worked with young people in Burnley, Hull and Wigan.
"Poignant, hilarious, energising. More please - what talent! Great to experience creative work in different places." Audience comment Magic Lantern Tales
HOST: Spot On Grant awarded £10,000 External Investment into Lancashire £90,415 Spot On works with volunteers in isolated communities promoting professional theatre, dance, music and children’s shows in two performance seasons each year. In 2014 they worked with 333 volunteers in 59 remote communities across the county to deliver a wonderful selection of touring performances to these isolated communities. Highlights included: Summer adventures in Gisburn Forest with Blaize Theatre: Ballads of the Beasts of Bowland. Companies who toured included; The Once, Melody Johnson, Theatre Newfoundland/Labrador, Bon Debarras, and Ian Sherwood and their work continued with Big Imaginations children’s theatre consortium. Canadian artists also came to Lancashire, due to Spot On's ongoing partnership with Maritime Canada’s Contact East showcase. Spot On also supported LCC Arts in their WW1 pilot programme in museums and libraries and New Zealand/Maori group: Pacific Curls and Kali Theatre’s: My Big Fat Cow Pat Wedding brought diverse work to the programme. Total new works commissioned 3 Total performances/events 95 Participants 26 audience 3,903 workshops/participatory sessions 20 Artists employed 141 artists days employed 272 volunteers 333
"Bringing shows to rural areas is a vital service, enabling people from a range of age groups to enjoy cultural events."
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HOST: Up for Arts Grant awarded £15,000 Up for Arts – support for the voluntary arts sector and for Lancashire people. As part of a joint project between LCC Arts Development Team and the Up for Arts project (BBC Radio Lancashire and Voluntary Arts England), people from across Lancashire were invited to get involved in contributing to 'The Great People's Poppy'. The 2 metre high poppy is an artwork by textile artist Emma Blackburn consisting of hundreds of individual poppies made by people, some in groups, some in special sessions with Emma or others just sent in by individuals. Many of the poppies included the names of men or families affected by World War I. The Poppy was first be seen by the public at a concert in Accrington entitled 'The Rhyme of No-Man's Land' - part of another LCC / Heritage Lottery funded project called 'Truce'. This very special evening commemorated the 1914 Christmas Truce of World War One, featured the Truce community choir, the East Lancashire Concert Band, readings of poems and texts by students from Hollins Technology College, a choir from Spring Hill Primary and dramatic monologues from "Sgt Meredith". 'Truce' also included a performance event at Accrington Stanley FCs ground involving the 1,325 strong crowd with presentations to the winners and runners up of the Truce Centenary Cup Football Competition for U12s. Not to mention the chance for everyone to sing "Tipperary" and watch a gr eat game that, in keeping with the theme, ended in a draw!
"Just a quick thank you for a wonderful evening on Saturday. Clearly, a lot of people were drawn into a very meaningful and moving experience. The singing, the gifts, the Truce Poppy, and, of course, Sgt Meredith, who was wonderful, all contributed to a very memorable occasion"
"Really fun, and motivating!" "More of this please especially in Rossendale". Up for Arts Participants
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1,263
What our investment achieved!
volunteers
£467,000 investment brought about the following...
62
68,655
posts created
young people taking part
361
Total number of AUDIENCE
709 days in libraries & museums Employment Development sessions
9% Visitors from outside Lancashire
76,835
438,936
Total number of participants
1,224 Artists Employed
6,967 Active Participation Events
For every £1 LCC invests in the arts... an additional £7.46 is brought into Lancashire
209
New Works Commissioned
2,348 performances and events
Investment INTO Lancashire
£3,484,169 19
Developing Talent
Audience & Participation
Health & Well-being
Economy & Employment
Lancashire Arts Development Team
e-bulletin Heather Fox Arts Development Manager heather.fox@lancashire.gov.uk 07974 750253 / 01772 532665
Our monthly e-bulletin details forthcoming work and developments within the Lancashire Arts sector.
Russell Tennant Arts Development Manager russell.tennant@lancashire.gov.uk 07500 815542 / 01772 536732
If you would like to be added to the distribution list please email us at acs.artsdevelopmentservice@lancashire.gov.uk
Deborah Rowe Arts Development Officer deborah.rowe@lancashire.gov.uk 01772 533040 Janet Swan Arts Development Officer janet.swan@lancashire.gov.uk 07500 065535 Nazya Khalid Arts Development Officer nazya.khalid@lancashire.gov.uk 07876 844338
With thanks to Creative Apprentices: Lauryn Baxter and Bethany Houldsworth
Team Address Lancashire Arts Development Team, Lancashire County Council, Cultural Services, 1st Floor Christ Church Precinct, PO Box 78, County Hall, Fishergate, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8XJ Team Mailbox acs.artsdevelopmentservice@lancashire.gov.uk Team Webpage http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/grants-and-funding/arts-development
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Thanks to... Our funded Arts organisations for providing the photographs a full list is available via Lancashire Arts Development Team.
Further reading... We also have a selection of case studies available via the Arts Development Team.
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