Barnaby funding will give town’s art scene a huge boost
BARNABY Festival bosses are paying artists to develop ideas after a cash injection.
A storyteller, carnival creator and digital artist are among those being commissioned through Arts Council funding to develop ideas for the festival. It’s the first time bosses have been able to invest money in research and development in this way and will boost the arts scene in Macclesfield. Each artist will work with Macclesfield people and locations so the town influences their ideas and their creations are bespoke for Barnaby.
Some ideas will feature in the next festival, with a Roots/Routes theme from June 15 to 24, 2018, some may be in a future event or some could turn into spin-off arts events or projects.
Festival director, Karl Wallace: “It’s the first time Barnaby has had enough time to do this sort of thing between festivals. We’re collaborating with some really exciting creative talents and introducing them to individuals and community groups to explore ideas.”
Four of the ten research and development projects, which involve local and international artists, are announced so far with the rest due in the New Year.
Among them is Luke Jerram who’s worked all over the world creating large scale installations and live artworks including a giant waterslide down the main street in Bristol which attracted 60,000 people.
Mancunian storyteller Jan Blake is doing a project called “Tell Them I am Beautiful” and exploring options with the Women’s Institute for a performance for the 2018 festival.
Carnival artist John Hartshorn will explore ideas of using the Macclesfield Canal in a celebration involving the waterway community.
Laurence Payot, a French digital artist based in Liverpool, will explore silk and the communities connected through its manufacturing process.
Karl said: “We now have the time and money to invest in artists and performers and with a Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, we also have expertise to broaden public participation. I
“It’s a great opportunity to get more adultsd l and d childrenhild involved. We’re excited by the possibilities.”
All are welcome at a meeting on Thursday, January 26, 8pm at St
MMichael’s Church, Market Place to discuss other ideas for the festival programme. Contact mail@barnabyfestival. org.uk.