Stove Update

Been a while since the last dispatch from the frontline of The Stove project…..

Encouraged by our growing relationship with the consultants employed by the cooncil to assist us; those of us working directly on the project have decided to organise ourselves in a more structured way so that we can work more efficiently on the day-to-day development of the project….but (hopefully) in such a way that we retain the amazing value of having a multitude of creative voices informing the direction that this all takes.

We now have a two-tier system with a small action group of 4 people that report back to and are guided by a larger ‘creative steering group’. What is definitely working is the atmosphere of collaborative working across different artforms and partnerships with other organisations – keeping this spirit alive and represented in the way the project continues to be run is fundamental to its success.

We have completed what the consultants call a ‘position statement’ – a clear statement of the aims of the project, how we see it working and what we need from other partners (council etc) to make it work. This document is being used by Adam and Bruce to try and broker a basic agreement between all parties – a foundation that will allow everyone to begin to make detailed arrangements for the project with security that the whole thing cannot unravel back to square 1.

This is an EXTRACT from ‘position statement’ for The Stove:

The Stove will provide space that gives the opportunity for the creative community to develop and flourish, to break down boundaries and enable crossover between the different sectors of the arts. It will encourage young people to participate in experimental activities, act as a social meeting point and generate cultural activities that engage both residents and visitors.

The vision for The Stove is an interconnected experience with a synergy between floors making the whole greater than the sum of the parts.

Ground Floor…’WELCOME’ – a café offering social space and emulating the very best examples of creative and cultural café venues around the world. The café will offer a cultural experience especially in the early evening, with performances from musicians, singers, poets and others.  The Plaza space outside will be utilised to increase the area available, with temporary walls, parasols and seating. The café itself will be a showcase for the creative community of D+G – furnished with work by local designers and makers.

1^st Floor…’ENGAGE’ this floor will provide an open-plan space, fitted-out with flexible performance and exhibition equipment, which will have multiple uses across the cultural sector including a public art programme, residences and central venue for arts events delivered by the Higher and Further Education providers and others. The Stove is committed to providing access to and development of ‘new media’ in the arts – facilities for new technologies in film, music and digital production will be a key aspect in engaging new participants and audiences in the arts.

2^nd Floor …..’PROCESS’   this floor will be a mixture of workspaces, helping the Stove become an access centre for emerging and established creative businesses in the region. This floor fosters a ‘workshop’ culture, where flexibility is of paramount importance. The Stove will provide a meeting place and interchange for ideas and inspiration and an in-town office for groups such as Moat Brae, Theatre Royal, dgArts and others. The second floor will include the Stove Hot Desk, ‘centre of operations’, a hireable photographic studio and space for running creative/educational workshops.

NEXT…..

The date for our research trip to visit examples of similar artist-led projects in NE England has now been arranged for 14^th June – there are still a couple of place available on the minibus…..if anyone is interested in coming along for what promises to be a fun and interesting day – get in touch via the blog or Commonty email.

First and foremost.. The Stove must prioritise actions and activity over the building – we are planning a major get-together (v.soon) of local creative practitioners to pool ideas for projects that people would like to see undertaken by The Stove….any contributions to this – please get in touch.