Spring Fling Evolution and Arts Hubs Update

From Alan Thomson, DG Unlimited Annandale and Eskdale Arts Hub Convenor and Arts Policy and Development Coordinator

Along with the other Area Hub Convenors in their districts I have been pleased to facilitate a couple of meetings in Annandale and Eskdale for consultant Steve Brown of Collaborate Consulting Ltd to meet with interested groups to contribute to the discussion on the Spring Fling Evolution project. The idea being to examine the notion that Spring Fling can build out from the outstanding success of it’s Open Studios weekend and use its expertise and resources to become a year-round development agency for the visual art and craft sector.

Having expected a roomful of committed Spring Flingers it was interesting to meet a handful of young artists seeking support to professionalise and grow their practice and a group of community activists seeking opportunities through the arts to regenerate their communities.

Steve and his team are holding meetings across the Region but if you have not yet had a chance to have your say, get in touch. Steve loves to talk. Details online here.

The next few Hub meetings in A&E will begin the process of developing a new district ‘plan’ which will in turn will become part of the Regional Arts Plan, necessary to map the way forward as the Dumfries and Galloway Place Partnership draws to a close and new means of securing investment in the Region’s creative sector requires to be developed.

Change is afoot at the Regional Arts Hub too, when it meets next week to consider adopting a Terms of Reference document. Discussion will reflect on proposed arrangements for the relationship between the Regional Arts Hub and the DG Unlimited and will revolve around proposals drafted by Richard Macfarlane of the Bakehouse with some input from Jim Tildesley, Secretary of the DGU Trustees. This is a task they were allocated at a productive meeting of the two bodies towards the end of last year. The overall aim is to empower the RAH to operate more effectively and thus strengthen the DG Unlimited structure to benefit the entire sector. Good luck to everyone involved.


Note from DGU team: It appears that gremlins have been at work – our list of Regional Arts Hub folk here on The Commonty described Carolyn Yates as ex-Literature Development Officer. She is, as most will know, still very much active in that role – apologies to her.

Absolute Classics present Haroaki Takenouchi

From Sara at Absolute Classics

Described by The Times as “just the sort of champion the newest of new music needs”, Haroaki Takenouchi’s brilliant performances have gained him the highest praise by critics and classical music lovers across the globe.

Thirty-four-year-old Takenouchi is unique amongst a rising generation of inspirational musicians. His flawless style and masterly interpretation have made him a much sought-after musician and he has performed on many of the world’s great concert platforms, including the Wigmore Hall, Tokyo Opera City, the South Bank Centre, the Fairfield Halls, Hamburg Laeiszhalle and Steinway Halls in London, Hamburg and Tokyo. He has also played at festivals in Bath, Cheltenham and Salzburg and has given recitals in the UK, Japan, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Italy

He will play at four venues in Dumfries and Galloway for the January series of Absolute Classics.

On Thursday, 22 January, at 7.30pm, he will play at the  Buccleuch Centre, Langholm; Friday, 23 January, 7.30pm, he will appear at Annan Academy Performing Arts Centre; Saturday, 24 January, 7.30pm, at Kirkcudbright Parish Church and Sunday, 25 January, 3.30pm, he will perform at the Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms, Thornhill.

The programmes include works by, amongst many others, Haydn, Chopin, Greig, Beethoven, Helen Hopkirk, Prokoviev, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Debussy.

Tickets on the door or may be booked online 

Actors wanted for Centre Stage Musical Drama

From Centre Stage Youth Theatre

Call for actors to take part in a new drama telling the story of the thousands of female munitions workers at HM Factory Gretna.

 

We’re looking for actors (or potential actors!) aged 16 –25. Rehearsal will begin in February and will tour May and June 2015.

 

The work draws on archive material, social history, music and entertainment of the period. 

 

The project is funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Holywood Trust.

 

Facilitated by Centre Stage Theatre who are part of The First World War Centenary Partnership, led by Imperial War Museums

New Co-Ordinator for DG Unlimited

From the DG Unlimited team

Alan Thomson has been welcomed as the new Regional Policy and Development Co-Ordinator for DG Unlimited – the independent charity which champions the arts in Dumfries and Galloway.

The part-time role will contribute greatly to the rapidly growing organisation’s future as it works to promote the region’s vibrant creative sector.

Alan, who is based in Annan and is also DGU’s Area Arts Convenor for Annandale and Eskdale, has many years of professional experience in the arts and cultural sector.

Cathy Agnew, Chair of the DGU Board of Trustees, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Alan to this new Policy and Development role. He has a superb knowledge of the arts and culture in Dumfries and Galloway and has been doing excellent work in Annandale and Eskdale. I’m sure that he will do a tremendous job as the organisation develops and grows.”

The role, which is a temporary commission through to July 2015, has three main elements:

1)    The development of a regional Arts Plan

2)    Co-ordinating DGU’s team of Area Arts Convenors

3)    Acting as the link between the Regional Arts Hub and Board of Trustees.

Alan will have a vital role in enabling the various parts of DG Unlimited to co-ordinate their activities for the benefit of members and the wider community. It will also take forward the vision for the future of the sector developed under Fresh Start for the Arts.

Alan said: “I feel privileged to have been awarded the Regional Policy and Development commission and look forward to working closely with the DG Unlimited team and the membership over the next seven months. There is much to be done in this period if we are to deliver the vibrant sector led model envisaged by Fresh Start for the Arts.”

Hopes remain for Star of Caledonia after funding dismay

From the Herald

"The chairman of the trust behind plans for a new £5m landmark on the Scottish border, which has been denied crucial funding from the national arts funding body, has vowed to continue with the project despite being denied crucial funding.

…

His plan for a huge abstract sculpture, designed by Cecil Balmond and Charles Jencks and inspired by Scottish scientific endeavour, had received development cash from the arts agency but has been denied the crucial cash.

Mr Houston said: "I remain determined to try to deliver this remarkable thing for Scotland and our region.

"The Star will be the single biggest thing that our region has seen for decades, signifying energy, innovation, confidence and ambition.

"Our region and Scotland now needs the public sector to demonstrate similar ambition to help turn it into reality."

Read the full article on the herald website here

Siobhan Miller and Clan Blues at the Buccleuch Arms

From Dave Dick

Hi, I wonder if you could publicise this top class folk gig on in Moffat this Sunday?

As youll see from the attached poster these are world class singers and players and it will be a superb event in a warm friendly atmosphere.

The event is run by Moffat Music Live, a non profit local musicians collective.

Scotland's History Festival @ Moffat

From Elizabeth Roberts

This month, Moffat will be part of Scotland's history festival 'Previously…' for the first time with a unique tea-and-talk formula at Moffat Town Hall 3-5pm as follows:

Scotland's Imperial Railway - Thurs 13th Nov: historian David Ross will investigate the men and the money behind 'The Caledonian'

‘Faster than fairies, faster than witches, Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches’ David Ross, author of ‘The Caledonian: Scotland’s Imperial Railway – A History’ tells the triumphs and tragedies of the men and money behind the iconic network.
Adult £7.50 (to include Cream Tea with themed cakes.'

Merlin & Moffat - Thurs 20th Nov: Nikolai Tolstoy reveals the truth about that old magician's sojourn in our hills

'Nikolai Tolstoy, author of The Quest for Merlin shows the evidence that Merlin was a Dark Ages historical figure who retired to a cave in the hills above Moffat after a traumatic battle nearby.
£7.50 (to include Cream Tea with themed cakes)'

'We're all on a journey' - Thurs 27th November: Richard Demarco will inaugurate Moffat's annual tribute to roadbuilder John 'Tar' McAdam

'Richard Demarco CBE describes in words and pictures an imagined journey of Russian national poet Mikhail Lermontov, b. 1814, through the land of his Scottish Learmonth forefathers. John McAdam of ‘macadamised’ and ‘tarmac’ fame is buried in Moffat churchyard.
£7.50 (to include Cream Tea with themed cakes)' 

Tickets £7.50 from Eventbrite here or Present Time 2/3 High St Moffat, DG10 9ET tel 01683 222777

Previously… has extended its coverage this year, with events taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, St Andrews, Dunfermline and Moffat, offering history goings-on  which will appeal to families, students, history buffs, beer drinkers, foodies and anyone with an interest in Scotland’s past and what it can mean for our present and indeed future.

Project Art Lockerbie's 4th Birthday Bash

From Heather Andrews at Project Art Lockerbie

We at Project Art Gallery in Lockerbie, a co-operative of around 20 artists, and started as a pop-up shop, to be open for 10 weeks. So successful was the venture, that we are still open 4 years later, and that calls for a celebration.

 

That means everyone is invited to our 4th birthday party on Saturday 15th November, 10am – 4pm

. Join us for a glass of wine (or a cuppa), birthday cake, and more. There will be a jewellery-making table, and a prize draw to win a £50 gallery voucher. (All purchases between now and2pm Nov 15th qualify for an entry to the prize draw). D&G Life plan to be there.

Thistles by Martine Berlemont

We offer great value, individually created art work, beautiful photography and design-led hand-crafted gifts.

Project Art Gallery, 53 High St, Lockerbie, DG11 2JH  (opposite the sheep)

Have a look at their website here

PlayTalkRead bussing it round Dumfries and Galloway

From Angela McNay


Playtalkread roadshow coming to Dumfries and Galloway during November 2014 The roadshow is aimed at parents to play together with children 3 and under, but doesn’t stop parents with older children coming and joining the fun as well.

Lockerbie Old School Project Craft Fair

From Gill Devlin

We are a local community group who started out with the vision of rescuing a beautiful  large, old Victorian school in Lockerbie for public, business and cultural  use.

We are holding a Craft Fair in Lockerbie to engage with our community and also show some potential uses for a community hub in supporting small local businesses in the future. We would hope to have workshop, shared office  and exhibiting/teaching  space for craftspeople .

We would be grateful if you would display our poster and would welcome anyone wishing to come and join us to find out about our project or  if they wish  to sell their work .We are charging £5 per table to cover our costs. If anyone is interested , they can email me via the contacts on the poster.

Creative Annan - This Sunday

From Carolyn Yates

Annan – an open book. On 2nd November, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at Annan Athletic's Club everyone is invited to join artists Hugh Bryden, Katie Anderson and Vivien Jones to draw, write, craft, fold, photograph and sculpt. This is all about creating responses to living in and around Annan. We want to start to a new project celebrating Annan’s cultural and historical legacy and we want to find out what you want.. Fun and laughter guaranteed. This is a FREE drop-in event.
If you would like to know more, contact Carolyn Yates, literature development, Dumfries and Galloway by e mail: Carolyn@literaturedevelopment.org

A bit about the artists:

Katie Anderson works with place, material and memory, creating objects, installations and events, including Voices from the Phone Box as EAFS 2013, and also as part of the stove network, with their latest event Parking Space.

Hugh Bryden is a published poet and also runs Roncadora Press, which publishes poetry pamphlets and artists books.

Vivien Jones is a writer, poet and creative project coordinator living in Powfoot. She is an editor for the region’s Southlight magazine, responsible for production and the promotion of quality new writing. Vivien has published two collections of short stories, Perfect Ten and White Poppies, a full length poetry collection, About Time Too, and has a second collection, Short of Breathe, due for publication later this year.

Why Moffat? And the invention of Environment

From Alan Thomson, Annandale and Eskdale Arts Convenor

Why Moffat? This question has become a recurring refrain as the stature and scope of the partnership between Moffat Book Events and the All Russia State Library for Foreign Literature has developed over three years.

Initially the answer was straightforward. Russia: Lessons and Legacy – The Alexander Men Conference 2012 was developed from an idea discussed by two old friends, Dr Ekaterina Genieva, Director General of the Library and Moffat resident Elizabeth Roberts.
During the planning and delivery of TRANSlation TRANSformed – contemporary aspects of translation between Russian and English, a slightly pejorative tone could be detected in the question, as if to imply that an international academic conference could not succeed in a small Scottish town. This time Moffat itself provided the answers in the manner in which it both welcomed and delighted the delegates. Moffat has been serving the needs of visitors for more than 200 years and knows its business very well, shop assistants and hospitality sector staff are friendly and helpful, while local people were welcoming and keen to engage with our overseas delegates. So much so that the library commissioned two young artists to study the town in some detail earlier this year. The result of these residencies, an exhibition entitled ‘An Anatomy of a Small Scottish Town’ opens in Moscow next week. I am not sure if our Russian friends understand the term ‘Place Making’ but they certainly appreciate the way in which the community of Moffat interacts with them, in and around the town’s public spaces. www.artofgeography.com describes ‘Sense of Place’ as the ‘combination of characteristics that makes a place special and unique’ and ‘involves the human experience in a landscape, local knowledge and folklore’.

These last three points were covered at Moffat Book Events most recent conference; Lermontov 200. They were discussed by Claire Lamont, Emeritus Professor of English Romantic Literature at Newcastle University and a specialist in Scottish literature of the 18th and early 19th century and Dr Sigrid Riewerts, Reader at the Gutenberg University, Mainz and Scottish Studies Fellow at Edinburgh University, where with German and Scottish colleagues she is editing a new version of Scott’s Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. Their topic ‘Landscape, Myth and Romanticism’ was designed to highlight how the work of our own Scott and Hogg was part of the pan-continental movement that inspired Lermontov. This was achieved.
Landschap was a apparently a Dutch word for a tract of land and what happened on it and was adopted by Dutch artists in the 16th century as a label for their work, when they began to develop the genre of painting countryside scenes.
A character called Barr, trading out of Berwickshire, brought the term to this country in 1598, but it was 34 years after people were introduced to the concept of appreciating ‘landscape’ painted on canvas that the usage expanded to describe what people could see around them.

Landscape art as popularised by the Dutch

Sterling’s analysis of his brilliant Sartor Resartus, in which he mocks Carlyle for making up words: "... and first as to the language. A good deal of this is positively barbarous. 'Environment', ' vestural', 'stertorous', 'visualized', 'complected', and others to be found I think in the first twenty pages,...are words, so far as I know, without any authority."
Environmentalists might be amused to discover that Carlyle did indeed make up the ’barbarous’ word Environment as he could find no English translation of the German Umgebung.
Yet just 175 years ago, hardly anybody spoke about "the environment," not even romantic nature poets. "Environment" was just a slightly high-flown word that meant "surroundings." When in 1827 Thomas Carlyle wrote (in an essay on Goethe) "in such an environment of circumstances," an editor should have trimmed it back as a redundancy.

The Tapestry at The Hub

From Upper Eskdale Development Group