Blues Festival

Swanage Seen by Painters

Swanage Town Council has unanimously agreed to support Strata's project for a number of "interpretation displays" showing paintings of Swanage and the locality. Each display will have a print of the view from that position and a note about the artist. Swanage has been inspiring artists for at least the last two centuries and many major figures in landscape art have worked here. We hope they will make a coherent "art trail" showing something of the development of landscape painting in that period. Painters likely to feature include Augustus John, Paul Nash and Graham Sutherland. Details of design remain to be worked out. In an area as visually sensitive as this each may have to be designed for its surroundings. A small panel of Strata members and councillors is to be formed to take the project forward. The project is the iniative of Strata member Carlotta Barrow.

Something to Say?

If you've got any snippets of information or news about the Arts in Swanage and Purbeck, please feel free to post a comment here. We'd also like to see reviews of shows and events and notices of anything interesting coming up. Oh, and please sign all submissions and comments (I won't publish them otherwise)

Kathakali

This is something really special. REGHU NADHAN will be giving a Kathakali dance demonstration. Reghu is over here to promote his workshops and is giving a small number of demonstrations. Here is how the whole performance is described :
"a ‘fascinating insight into the ancient dance-theatre of South India, performed only in Kerala. This is a unique opportunity to see a master practitioner perform the play POOTHANHA MOKSHAM ….which tells how the baby Krishna overpowers a fearsome demon….. echoes of Commedia del’Arte, pantomime, Punch @ Judy, Buster Keaton and grand opera..aKrishna, best-beloved of all the Hindu gods, overpowers many demons. Poothana is the first of them…. and he’s only three months old.‘You become totally involved, entranced by the whole magical process, from the demonstration of the mudras (hand language of Kathakali) to the story-telling and the transformation of the actor as he applies his make-up and ravishing costume. From the time the hypnotic drumming begins, you are drawn into that other world where gods and demons come to play."
Reghu's website is at http://www.reghunadhan.com/

The session will he held at the Catholic Church Hall, Rempston Road, Swanage starting at 7.30pm. there will be a charge of £3.50 for this event but will be a complimentary glass of wine.

Added Later:

This was a fantastic evening (see comments). Here is a picture that Richard Jefferey took despite the rather poor lighting conditions:

New Contact List

Here is the updated list of contacts. Please contact me via e.mail or via this site for more artists who live or work in Swanage and Purbeck. If you’re not in the network how will you know what’s going on?

Paul Angel
Digital Photography
www.paulangel.co.ukpaul@paulangel.co.uk
01202 421080

Carlotta Barrow
Stone Carving, Painting
Waterside Studio,
Peveril Point,
Swanage,
Dorset,
BH19 2AY.
01929 425967
www.artatpeveriledge.com
zooks@peveriledge.com

Freya Boyesen
Visual Artist
http://www.freyamboyesen.com/
freyahope@hotmail.com

Chris Burke
Artist
www.artatpeveriledge.com
art@peveriledge.com

Gillian Bathe
Art /design teacher not resident but paints here.
Exhibition ' The Sea forChristmas' at Salisbury Library in December (all Purbeck Coastal subjects)ionagbathe@btinternet.com

Carol Childs
Contemporary Artist
07709 492255
carol_iris36@hotmail.com
www.carolchilds.co.uk

Steve Darrington.
Musician and Swanage Blues Festival supremo
http://www.stevedarrington.com/
andwww.swanage-blues.org
01929 422338
s.darrington@btopenworld.com

Karen Delahay
Artiststudio/rehearsal/meetings space
artists friendly accommodation available.
www.californiacottage.co.uk
delahays@hotmail.com

F.L.A.M.E.
Fire, Light and Music Experience
Matt@flamefireshows.com
07880 626155 (For bookings and questions)
www.flamefireshows.com/index.html

Richard Jeffery
photographer and 3D artist, webdesign
www.theeleventhhour.co.uk
http://www.creativecrows.co.uk/
is work from some of the groups I have worked with
richard.jeffery@theeleventhhour.co.uk

Tony Kerins
Illustrator
www.tonykerins.com
84 Kings Road,
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 1HR,
01929 425131
illustration@tonykerins.com


Ian Lowson
Writer
12a Institute Road
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 1BX
ianlowson@hotmail.com

Sinead O'Neill
Artist
01929 426042

Jeremy Paul
Writer
01929 426688
www.jpaulwriting.com
jeremy@jpaulwriting.com

Purbeck String Festival
Susan Stanford - Artistic Director
01929 426931
www.purbeckstringfest.com/welcome.html
purbeckstringfest@hotmail.co.uk

Quarr Gallery
Keith and Jane
17 High Street,
Swanage,
Dorset
BH19 2LP
01929 423450
quarr@operamail.com

Tara Randall
The Artist's Way Creative Cluster
randalls-4@tiscali.co.uk
http://strataartistsway.blogspot.com

The Ranger School of Dance
Dance and performance arts
01929 423436 / 01929 421510
http://www.rangerschoolofdance.co.uk/
info@rangerschoolofdance.co.uk

Shannon Ribbons
Off On One designs and produces websites, creates animations and makes pictures
www.offonone.com/
info@offonone.
(01929) 424026
mobile: 07733361908
shannon@offonone.com

Ray Sargent
Actor, Musician,One Man Shows
www.ray-sargent.net/
01202 604598
ray@ray-sargent.net

Spyway Projects
Peter Cooper, Annette Sumption
38 Princess Road Flat 1
86 High Street
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 2NY
01929 424428
www.spyway.co.uk
spyway@avnet.co.uk

Tidal Studios
Kate Cross
Design, print, promotion
01929 421535
www.tidalstudios.co.uk
kate@tidalstudios.co.uk

Tony Viney
leaves no stone unturned
athttp://www.tonyviney.co.uk/
and atwww.boilerhousegallery.co.uk
also atwww.purbeckfilm.com
tony@tonyviney.co.uk

Wendy Wharam
Artist, Writer, Story Teller
01929 426423
wendylallawharam@yahoo.com

Matt Wilkinson
Strata Director
FLAME Director
matt@flamefireshows.com
07880 626155

Samantha Woodford
01929 421658
samanthawoodford@yahoo.co.uk

Sarah Wootton
Textile Artist
Toms Field Campsite.
Toms Field Road .
Langton Matravers.
Swanage.
Dorset.
01929 427110
http://www.sewindorset.co.uk/
sarah@sewindorset.co.uk

Swanage Centre of the Art Universe

What a brilliant weekend for the arts in Swanage. Friday night we all repaired to Quarr gallery for the preview of the new exhibition and the official unveiling of the portrait of Keith and Jane by Freya Boyesen. The picture was fantastic as was the rest of the exhibition. Freya's contact is: http://www.freyamboyesen.com/ should you want a portrait of your own. There was a great turn out, we all had a glass or two of wine and went home very happy. By the way, Happy Birthday, Keith.

Saturday lunch time we repaired to the Mowlem Community Room where there was an exhibition bysome of the more established Purbeck artists. It really showed that Art can happen in the Mowlem but it takes a lot of hard work.

I gather there was live music and fun in the evening but I had to forgo that in order to attend the official opening of the Ranger School of Dance studio. We had cake and another glass or two of wine. The new studio is a tremendous piece of work and by dint of a lot of fundraising we now have a state of the art studio with proper facilities. Over the last forty years, June Ranger and now her daughter Caroline, have probably done as much as anybody to promote quality of the arts in Swanage. Generations of her pupils have gone on to professional careers or just to appreciate excellence in dance as audiences. June has also done her bit to support other arts activities and has always tried to drive up standards. Good for her and all the friends and supporters of the school. The next part of the project is to equip the upstairs as a small music studio or rehearsal space. It will cost in the region of £30,000 so let's do what we can to help. http://www.rangerschoolofdance.co.uk/

Art at the Mowlem

Click on image to get super de luxe wide-screen version.

FlameFireShow

Friday 3rd November
All Saints Church (Ulwell)
7.30 start
Fundraiser for Skate Park

Moonlight Performance Cancelled

Hello Chums!
Sorry to say that this Friday's performance at the Moonlight Bistro (Nov 3) has been cancelled due to circumstances etc.
We intend to re-start live music there in the New Year.
Best Wishes,
Steve Darrington
www.stevedarrington.com
01929 422338

Strata Meeting 4th October

Minutes of Strata Arts Group Meeting

Held on 4th October 2006

Those present:
Nick Goulding, Keith Roker, Peter Cooper, Karen Delahay, Frances Thackway, Wendy Wharam, Phillipa Sherborne, Shannon Ribbons, John Cull, Freya Boyesen, Robert and Marie Hayward and Lesley Licudi.

Wine and welcome

Matters arising from meeting of 6th September
All matters were on the agenda for discussion.
Website Development
Shannon addressed the meeting to update on progress on the website and the contacts list is now complete along with a mission statement and homepage. He stated that he was short of time and needed someone to take on the day to day maintenance of the site but would be available to give advice and make significant changes. All should look at the site (Strata.org.uk) and give feedback. Shannon suggested that imagery should include photos, art work etc. with a potential for each person contributing to have their own page. It was agreed as policy that members of Strata would include links from their own sites to Strata. Keith stated that the database should be refined and developed, reflecting artists and their work, this is a large but essential piece of work for which funding may need to be sought. Peter is happy to upkeep the blog and said he would feed information to Shannon in weekly chunks to help minimise the amount of work required. Shannon will set up a page for anyone who needs it, members should email all details to Peter or Shannon. All contact details for a main database should be sent to Peter who will liaise with Shannon and Keith. A précis of the minutes could be sent to Peter to post on the blog and the website. Karen will include the newsletter on the site. Members suggested several potential links to the site.
4. Formation of Company
Nick, Karen and Keith updated the group on the meeting held to agree company structure i.e. a company limited by guarantee with charitable aims. Trustees could be Karen Delahay, Matt Wilkinson, Nick Goulding, Paul Angel, with Lesley as Company Secretary. It was agreed on the need for a good solicitor with an understanding of the issues of the group. We are awaiting a response from James Sinclair-Taylor. Keith stressed the importance of defining the objects of the charity and the need for an overview of a professional with a view to reporting back to the Charity Commissioners. Frances said that Purbeck Strings were going through a similar process and that she would liaise with Strata.
5. Project Progress
Carlotta Barrow and Chris Burke sent their apologies and through the chair updated the group on progress with the Wessex Water site Arts Project. Estimates for the work required are being sought. Nick also read out a proposal from Carlotta entitled Durl Stone focussing on stone carving possibilities at Durlston. Sources of funding for various projects were discussed such as the Community Champions Fund and the Arts Council. Phillipa suggested contacting the Russell Cotes Museum and Art Gallery regarding images they hold concerning Purbeck. Nick informed new members of various projects that had been discussed e.g. the link with Southern India. Keith invited Kate Black of Durlston (who joined briefly) to outline progress on the Durlston Castle site. The exact completion date was unclear.
6. Notices
Karen asked for information to be included in the newsletter to be sent to her. She also stressed that Strata was likely to be a main initiative within Swanage and Purbeck over the next five years and was perceived at district level as ‘ ticking the most boxes’!
7. Cultural Olympiad
Peter summarised an important meeting on the Cultural Olympiad held at the Sailing Academy, Portland. The cultural element, including the Arts, will have a very high profile and as Dorset is the only Olympic venue outside of London the impact on the Arts in this area will be enormous. As the trialling of events will begin next year large numbers of visitors will soon be descending. The Arts Council are producing the overall strategy using the Jurassic Coast strategy, any ideas for the Arts are likely to be welcomed and referred to Mike Hoskin through Peter. Brazil and India have been identified as key focus countries for the Olympiad and Wendy Wharam’s India project is ideally positioned. Many more four star beds will be needed and Portland harbour is likely to be developed as a permanent cruise liner port with significant long term tourist implications.
8. Publicity
Karen asked for events to be emailed to her for the newsletter. A newsletter distribution list will be drawn up and copies will be kept in the Quarr Gallery. Karen will also prepare a handout outlining Strata and its work also to be held in the gallery.
9. Future Meetings / Socials
Karen invited members to a film as part of the Purbeck Film Festival at California Farm on the 15th October. The Cellar Bar was suggested by Keith as a suitable venue for future social events. Peter raised the possibility of a Spoken Word Club here in Swanage.
10. Any Other Business
No other business.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 1st November 2006 at 7.30 pm at the Quarr Gallery

Beat the Tattoo

Strata member/associate/supporter Paul Angel's exhibition of photographs of tattoed bodies is being featured on BBC South Today tonight. The exhibition is at the Russell-Cotes gallery and is well worth a look.

Strata Social Evening

If you are reading this, and even if you are not, we are having a Strata social at Quarr Gallery on wednesday 18th October. The only business we need to transact is to decide on some entertainment/events for future socials. Thereare some ideas in formation and we can firm these up on Wednesday.See you then,Keith

Creative Dorset

Creative Dorset - a new programme to support creativity in Dorset. Dorset County Council and partners are pleased to announce that they will soon be launching a new specialist development service for creative and cultural businesses, organisations and practitioners in Dorset. This new service - Creative Dorset - will provide a programme of specialist advice,information and guidance, networking and showcasing opportunities. The aim of Creative Dorset is to help the creative and cultural sector to grow and to have a more positive impact on the economy and communities of the County. To 'hit the ground running', Creative Dorset needs to know more about who the practitioners and businesses are that live and work in the County, who they are working with and the types of work they are doing. They also need to know what these businesses and creative individuals require in order to help them prosper and grow.Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy has been asked to undertake a piece of work to build a database containing details of the Dorset cultural and creative sector. This database will provide Creative Dorset with some of the intelligence they need so they can start working as soon as they are launched. To register your details and let Creative Dorset know about your work and the support you need, please complete and return the form which you can download here:http://www.artsmatrix.org.uk/Downloads/Forms/tabid/171/Default.aspx.
Your input in vital as gathering this information will help to ensure that projects and services are dedicated to the needs of cultural and creative individuals, businesses and organisations in the County.If you have already received details about the Creative Dorset and have completed, and returned a form to us, thank you. We are still updating the database with the returns, which is why you may be receiving information for the second time.If this is the first time you are hearing about the initiative or you have not yet completed and returned a form, we look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Tracey Gregory
Associate Consultant
Tom Fleming Creative Consultancytelephone 1 07989 565190 email tracey@tfconsultancy.co.ukwebsite www.tfconsultancy.co.uk

Strata Meeting 6th september

Those present:
Nick Goulding, Keith Roker, Jane Roker, Peter Cooper, Carlotta Barrow, Chris Burke, Paul Angel, Ian Lowson, Jane Lowson, Matt Wilkinson, Karen Delahay, Kate Cross, Paul Burrows, Robert Diment-Davies and Lesley Licudi
Wine and welcome
Matters arising from meeting of 2nd August (no minutes available)
It was generally agreed that a £2 contribution per meeting should be raised to cover minor expenses.

Formalising company status
Keith Roker stressed the need to place the group on a formal footing as the group is expanding. It will be necessary to set up a company limited by guarantee, with charitable aims. Keith also stressed the importance of having professional advice on the set up process.
Various members of the group suggested suitable organisations who may be able to offer advice and models.
It was agreed that the following Wednesday a meeting would be held between Nick Goulding, Karen Delahay, Matt Wilkinson and Keith Roker to evaluate existing information, establish company status and identify possible company roles and responsibilities.

Website Development
Members of Strata had viewed the website currently being developed by Shannon Ribbons and were very impressed by the progress so far. It was agreed that members should provide content as soon as possible either directly to Shannon or via Quarr Gallery.
Karen agreed to send her Strata newsletters to Shannon.
Contact details for members including links were encouraged. Various useful links to the Strata website were discussed such as Virtual Swanage, My Space and YOUTOBE.COM.
Peter Cooper referred to his current blog http://cultureswanage.blogspot.com/ and that he was representing the group at various meetings including the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Projects
Carlotta Barrow updated the group on progress with the Wessex Water site Arts Project. She had made contact with Wessex Water and further research was needed in terms of costings and details of current and former artists’ work. There was a general discussion regarding links with other galleries such as the Tate (where artists linked to Purbeck are exhibited) and possibilities for sponsorship.
A folder of significant artwork linked to Purbeck has been compiled in Quarr Gallery and any new additions would be welcome.
It was agreed by all that any independent projects linked to Strata should be included under the Strata umbrella.
Karen Delahay offered her studio for hire for various arts projects/workshops.
Other possible projects were referred to e.g a link with India, the Turkish Arts Centre and Matt W spoke about African Drum Workshops, Circus Skills and flame fire shows.

Artists Way Support Group
Nick informed the group about a new creative cluster group facilitated by Tara Randall focussed on the book by Julia Cameron, The Artists Way. This group will be meeting at the Quarr Gallery every Thursday evening from 7pm until 9pm, all are invited.

Arts Centre Development
Karen D reported to the group on early progress regarding a possible Arts Centre at the rear of Swanage Library. The Swanage Parish Plan would need to be in place, Karen has spoken to the Council and was told there would be a delay of at least two months before any progress would be made. The need for Strata to be actively involved in any such development was highlighted strongly. Karen agreed to represent Strata and feedback any developments to the group.
Frustrations were expressed by several members regarding the Pierhead Development plans and missed opportunities for involving the arts. Members agreed that the owner of the Pierhead land should be invited to discuss the issue with the group.

Socials
Nick reminded the group that the Strata social evenings occur every month two weeks after the formal meeting and all are welcome. He thanked Jane and Keith for all their hard work in organising these very successful events. Keith suggested the Cellar Bar as a future venue, with entertainments.
Any Other Business
Matt suggested Strata involvement in the up and coming Folk Festival, it was agreed that we should aim for this next year as there was no time to organise anything.
Several people expressed the need for advertising and publicity for Strata and its members. It was agreed that suggestions should be e-mailed to Karen and Publicity would be on the agenda for the next meeting.
It was agreed that before making significant representations to other arts groups etc company status should be in place.
Peter invited all to provide him with contact details for his Arts In Swanage blog.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday 4th October 2006 at 7.30 pm at the Quarr Gallery

Purbeck Strings Autumn Event

The first Purbeck Strings Autumn Quartet Course takes place from October the 13th to October the 15th 2006 at the Old Malthouse School Langton Matravers.
Enthusiastic response……..48 local string players to take part.
The course has been set up to provide an opportunity for string players of all ages and ability to play together and benefit from coaching from the
young professional Stanford Quartet.

Stanford Quartet Concert
Sisters… Laura, Ellie and Amy Stanford with cellist Jessica Cox will give a concert on Saturday October the 14th at 7-30pm in St Georges Church Langton Matravers.
The quartet will be performing Mozart’s famous Dissonance Quartet, Janacek’s vibrant Kreutzer Sonata, and finally the stylish Debussy quartet.

Course Concert
On Sunday afternoon at 3-30pm in the Old Malthouse School course members will give a concert of music studied during the weekend course.
As usual Purbeck Strings will be raising funds for the charity –
In tune with childline.
Tickets £6 or £10 for 2 concerts (children free) from Purbeck Press
01929 423669 or 01929 426931
Enquiries to:
Susan Stanford - Artistic Director Tel: 01929 426931

2012 is only Six Years Away

I went to a really interesting presentation at the National Sailing Academy in Portland today. It was about the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. That’s right CULTURE (the stuff that Purbeck District Council seems to think doesn’t exist). There was a whole chunk of the Olympic bid that was about cultural spin offs and as we have the only complete games venue and programme outside of the M25 it means that a large part of the Cultural Olympiad will be happening in Dorset. The Arts Council of England have produced a strategy and the Jurassic Coast Arts Strategy (remember that?) will be at its heart. Funds will begin to be allocated from next year. Interstingly enough, there will be special attention to international cultural exchanges and, for no apparent reason, the two selected countries will be Brazil and India. I think we’re already on to that, aren’t we?
Projects will be considered in categories according to whether they use existing resources, or new resources or exciting possibilities. At the moment everything is up for grabs and the County Arts Development Supremo Mike Hoskin is gathering suggestions. Nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out. So have a punt at some creative thinking.
Will it effect us in Purbeck and by how much? Well, to start with, the Olympic organising committee has to deliver 3 or 400 4star bedspaces. Currently there are about 70 in the area. The answer is that they will be providing a luxury cruise liner anchored in Portland Harbour as the competitor’s village but it also means that virtually every bed in Dorset will be required for spectators and hangers on. Dorset is going to be awash with visitors and we have to look at the cultural events that will keep them here. We don’t have the cathedrals and galleries that other venues have had. What are they going to do?
Isn’t it just a fortnight in 2012? In order to win its Olympic status the sailing academy has to run full scale test events in the years running up to 2012 and starting next year there will be a major international event every September. In addition the National sailing Academy is seen as the premier International training venue and there will be a year round influx of teams and spectators. And that will continue long after 2012.
Cynical? Why not? On the other hand the Olympics and the Cultural Olympiad will happen. It will happen in Dorset. There are some interesting websites showing how other communities have benefited (forget the stuff about Olympic venues standing empty and being a burden on the taxpayer - The National Sailing Academy is already built, paid for and functioning. And it’s a rather nice building). Perhaps we could put aside our natural cynicism until 2013 and have a bit of what’s going on.
I hope to have a fuller report of the meeting availabler later.
http://www.wpnsa.org.uk/
http://www.london2012.org/en/ (look for “our vision”)

Art at Durlston

Ali at the country park has asked me to ask you all to put your thinking caps on and come up with some ideas for next year. They have funding for a schools week and want art events. Strata's efforts last year were a great success and had 3000 visitors . Can this be bettered?
Keith

I Know You're Out There

Since putting a counter on the site I know that people are clicking on. If you have any arts event you want to publish in Swanage or Purbeck, please put it here. Similarly if you want to be on our circulation list leave your contact details. I don't include anyone who doesn't ask.

The Incomer and The Land

Music Theatre Workshop Series -Peta Lily and Andrew Dickson
"Noises and Bodies"
Bridport Arts Centre
Sunday October 15th 2006 11.00 - 4.00 £5 including refreshments
Noises and Bodies brings together composer and musician Andrew Dickson with writer/director/performer Peta Lily to work with the group to discover what we can create with movement and voice combined in different ways.We will take as our inspiration people’s thoughts, feelings and stories about the land and the community. And discover how we might express some of the atmospheres and emotions involved in our relationship with each other and the land. We will be drawing on the wonderfully rich and varied material which has been collected so far through the ongoing interview process, which is one of the first steps of the Incomer and the Land Project. A lot of the stories already gathered speak of thedeep emotional connection between human beings and the land. You will be invited to contribute your stories to the body of research material in advance of the workshop day. This workshop is open to everyone –if it’s a success, there is a possibility of exploring the work further at a full weekend workshop in the spring. The workshop led by Peta will be physically undemanding and gentle in its explorations with Andrew encouraging singing that anyone can manage.
To book please contact Nichola Motley on email nichola.motley@tiscali.co.uk
or call 01308 422 305
http://www.operacircus.co.uk/

Moonlight and Music

Hello,
This is an unashamed self-plug for one of my rare performances nowadays - at the Moonlight Bistro on the evening of Friday October 13th. They have a varied menu that's really not expensive and you can book a table on 01929 475615. Why not get together with a few other members of Strata and give it a go?
Best Wishes to You All,
Steve Darrington
www.stevedarrington.com and click on 'Music' for my musical background