As we find ourselves in deeply challenging times, now more than ever emerging artists need support. While the doors to the creative industry remain temporarily closed, opportunities for artists to make and perform new work have largely dried up.
In recent weeks, there has been much publicity around the impact of the ongoing pandemic on public venues such as theatres, pubs and restaurants. But what can sometimes be forgotten is the knock-on effect these closures have on independent artists who rely on these venues to share their work and earn a living. With limited support currently available to freelancers, there’s a pressing need for projects that respond to the challenges these artists face.
Shoot Festival in partnership with the Belgrade Theatre and Coventry City of Culture Trust invite you to a digital scratch event of original work from 10 artists who really show the breadth and depth of creativity in Coventry and Warwickshire. Available in close captioned, BSL interpreted and audio described format, Shut Down but Scratching showcases music, folk tales, theatre, spoken word, visual art and a binaural quest for loo roll.
This brand new venture is an experiment for everyone involved, but we’re certain that, in these very uncertain times, the creative community of Coventry and Warwickshire will has some brilliant ideas to share.
Audio Description version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-edWfpeHqo&feature=youtu.be
British Sign Language with Closed Captions version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrKT_MYZ7pU&feature=youtu.be
The ten artists performing in Shut Down but Scratching are;
- Luke Pettenuzzo, performing ‘Acoustic Dreamscape’, an acoustic solo composition on a classical guitar.
- Emily Woodruff, a visual art, digital and performance artist, showcasing ‘Moulding Masks’, an exploration of autistic ‘masking’ and social belonging.
- Nick Knibb, a spoken word artist also known as The Archbishop, will perform three poems about the coronavirus lockdown titled ‘Here’, ‘Touch’ and ‘Hope’.
- Alexandra Johnson has written ‘Bedside Manner’, a piece which imagines the death of a man and has been influenced by her contemplating the darkest outcome of her father’s current fight with coronavirus in hospital.
- Angela Mhlanga will perform Folktale, a traditional African folk for this new digital age.
- ‘I imagine we are meeting but can only reach each other by sight or sound because we are apart at a height’ will be platformed by visual artist Michael Snodgrass. Michael will be creating a black and white line drawn illustration depicting local people from Coventry and Warwickshire atop ladders, unable to reach each other.
- UK based Americana, folk and country duo formed around the guitarist Emily Eglinton and vocalist Fiona Laycock, ROSSO will be performing.
- Sam Colby will perform ‘The Mighty Quest for the Holy Loo Roll’ a radio play about one mans quest to avoid the mythical creatures roaming Coventry and claim The Holy Loo Roll.
- Koyesax, a Nigeria saxophonist currently studying at the University of Warwick, will perform ‘The African Dream’. Using his saxophone and storytelling Koyesax asks the audience to imagine a free, prosperous and powerful Africa.
- Lisa Franklin’s ‘The Wild Places’ will explore the relationship between nature and isolation, using spoken word, soundscape and projections of animation.
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director at Coventry City of Culture Trust said; “As coronavirus continues to put a stop to normal life, it is crucial that artists and performers are able to continue to create and exhibit new work. It is also vital that artists get paid for this work, as the lockdown goes on life becomes harder for those who earn their living through exhibition and performance. Coventry City of Culture is proud to be part of Shut Down but Scratching, a project that supports artists to create new and exciting work.”
Best wishes,
Matt
Matt Fife
Marketing Officer, Coventry City of Culture Trust
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