Five projects to connect local communities through creativity
As soon as Exeter Northcott closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we started exploring ways we could support local artists and inspire audiences with creative activity. In addition to a package of support for the Northcott Associate Artists and ongoing digital mentorship to our Early Career Artists and Producers, we put out an open call, The Time Is Now, to any artist in the South West.
Artists across the region were invited to submit ideas for one of five £1,000 commissions. The only requirements were that projects would need to be in a format people could enjoy remotely and that they should consider current challenges about this particular moment in time.
The open call received an excellent response and the five artists have now been selected. Find out more about their exciting projects below.
“It’s been a joy to read the applications for The Time Is Now commissions. Although asking theatre makers to create something digital is quite a different ask, the breadth of responses has shown just how adaptable and creative our community here in the South West is. We hope there is something for everyone to engage with- from watching outdoor circus, to joining in with a virtual choir, we hope you will enjoy the work on offer and join us in experiencing the creativity of tour local artists.”
– Helen Bovey, Exeter Northcott’s Producer of New Work and Talent Development
The Exeter Northcott team will support the artists to develop their commissions over the coming months and audiences can expect opportunities to watch and even participate as the projects unfold. Updates will be shared online on our website and via the Northcott’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds. #TheTimeIsNow
Burn the Curtain
Burn the Curtain is a ‘hands-on’, site-specific theatre company in the South West – where audience and performers travel together, work together, and build the performance together. They will create an interactive Exeter-based online game.
Jump Fall Fly
Jump Fall Fly create positive social change through circus, theatre arts, creativity and coaching psychology. For The Time Is Now, they will create a short film about the mind, using theatre, circus and visuals to tell the story.
Scratchworks Theatre Company
Scratchworks Theatre Company are a physical ensemble of three women who work collaboratively to create highly visual, playful theatre from scratch. They will create a podcast with rural communities called Stories from the Sticks.
Thomas Johnson
Thomas Johnson is a composer, musical director and musician. He has composed music for theatre companies and his music has been performed to audiences worldwide. For The Time Is Now, he will make a collaborative online choral anthem entitled When All This Is Over.
Undivided Attention
Undivided Attention, led by Hugh Malyon, are a diverse, young company consisting of a disabled artist, a performer / creative enabler, a live musician and a female technician/performer. They will make a digital installation entitled Hanging Around.
These commissions were inspired by a Corn Exchange Newbury initiative and funded with kind support by Noel Coward Foundation.