Canopy is a creative network in the Forest of Dean that supports a wide range of cultural activities to thrive. We do this by developing effective networks and making meaningful engagement between artists, communities and businesses.
Thanks to a recent Arts Council England Emergency Grant we were able to distribute £2000 to Forest creatives in the form of micro-bursaries and commissions. Innovation Lab have agreed to support some of the artists by providing mentoring and advice on the technical aspects of their production.
Engagement Manager Rod Maclachlan led the selection process which involved online video conferencing and a socially-distanced meeting in Bathurst Park. The £250 micro-commissions, which will result in work presented in the public realm, went to:
- Thomas Chapman towards a 3D visualisation for Re-imagining Darkhill Ironworks
- Sally Jenkinson towards creating and delivering a poetry zine
- Local Equality Council (LEC) in collaboration with Laurie Cousins – music video
- Jasper Cousins – augmented reality (AR) Murals
The innovation lab will be supporting Tom Chapman as well as LEC and Laurie Cousins. Art and technology are natural bedfellows – both driven by curiosity and creative thinking. We can’t wait to see what happens!
We had a high number of applications and the decision of who got what was literally the luck of the draw – we used a randomiser app to decide who got what. The bursaries vary in size and are more about helping creatives explore new ways of working, or supporting current practice. There are ten recipients:
- Kim Kaos towards woodturning training
- Lizzie Godden for making new textile works with bark and leaves.
- Jill Raymond for printing tuition @theyardprintstudio
- Henry Leslie towards tools for his new foundry
- Chez Dunfois for researching local history for new lyrics and music
- Jeanie Leslie for materials for stained-glass
- Anna Mcloughlin towards jewellery tools
- Wendy Daniels to support exhibiting Making Connections, Birds and Birdsong
- Andy Squiff to aid creation of a poetic film.
- Phoebe Stonechild for new Macrame work inspired by the forest.
- Melanie Benn to research a Robin Hood dance film
Canopy is all about collaboration and we are excited about working with Innovation Lab. To find out more about Canopy, or to follow the projects, sign up to their newsletter – follow on social media – Email Carolyn Black, Project Manager or Rod Maclachlan, Engagement Manager
