Ange Hardy -researching and writing new song material based on stories in daily newspapers published over a five-day period.
Liam Robinson - creating a contemporary song cycle based on the work collected by composer Percy Grainger in Lincolnshire
Lucy Farrell - researching and recording traditional material with a new music ensemble focusing on songs from her home county of Kent.
John Dipper, Dave Malkin, Hattie Vail, Helen Penn – developing a unique music and dance collaboration focusing on the gravity defying elements of morris dancing.
The Creative Artist Residencies scheme
This is the fourth year of this artists’ support programme developed and managed by EFDSS, the national development organisation for the English folk arts. Each year it has made between three and four awards to fund the research and development of new work inspired by the riches contained in the folk and traditional arts of England.
They are part of EFDSS’ Artists’ Development Programme, which provides professional development support, both creative and business, to artists.
The Creative Artist Residencies include rehearsal space at the home of EFDSS, Cecil Sharp House, access to the EFDSS library, the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, support and guidance for the future development of their work, and a grant of up to £2,000 to undertake the research and development.
Since the Creative Artist Residencies began in 2012, EFDSS has supported choreographers, storytellers, musicians and composers from folk and other genres.
EFDSS Artists’ Development Manager Neil Pearson, said:
“There was a very strong field of applications this year taking in a wide range of genres and subjects.
“The four chosen applicants all wish to develop creative ideas that are deeply rooted in the folk arts yet have a fresh take on the subject matter. The Creative Artist Residencies are very much a starting point for future projects and we look forward to supporting and working with the artists as their ideas evolve.
“It is an exciting opportunity for them to be able to spend time developing new work on one theme and creating their own piece of folk history.”
Click here for more information of previous residencies.