Working with user groups to curate and commission artworks/performances for specific locations or type of location such as a village hall, a library or an outdoor space serving audiences with limited access to arts.
In early 2020 we collaborated with Great Harwood Library and a group of local people to commission Ruth Cockburn to write and produce Miss Nobodies. The original plan was to produce a touring theatre show which was perfect for tiny spaces but inspired by local stories. At the time, Great Harwood would have been described as a left-behind town (now the term is levelling up) but if you spend any time walking down the high street it is obvious there is a spirit of entrepreneurialism with many small businesses run by women. Miss Nobodies, inspired by the history of the town, the strength of local women and informed by the writings of Ethel Carnie Holdsworth, is a touring show and available for bookings here. This commission was supported by Arts Council England, Lancashire County Council, Super Slow Way and the Near Neighbours Fund.
In 2021 we also saw the premiers of two pieces of outdoor theatre co-commissioned with the Friends of Fairhaven Lake and our Burnley Promoters Group. Both were delayed by the pandemic but hit the ground with tours of Lancashire and beyond.
Eye of Newt produced The Cabinet of Curiosity, a non-verbal exploration of a little girl’s adventurous imagination.
Frolicked produced Conference of the Birds based on a Sufi poem of the same name.