Ten local arts projects have received funding from the 2023 Creative Commissions grant scheme run by Adur & Worthing Trust. Taking place throughout the year, they range from creative sessions at Highdown Gardens, printmaking festivals, podcasts and choir concerts for the King’s Coronation.
Now in its sixth round of grant-making, this year’s Creative Commissions attracted a high number of varied applications and the successful bids demonstrate the sheer variety of creative people and talent in the area.
Karen Simporis, Chair of Adur & Worthing Trust said:
“If only we had more money we could support more of the 24 applications we received! It was really hard to choose, but we think we’ve got a great line-up for the coming year including a special programme of events at Colonnade House during Worthing Festival week (10th-18th June) more about this soon!”
The aim of the Creative Commissions is to highlight the diversity of talent that exists in Adur & Worthing, to support innovative ideas that the public can enjoy and to support locally based creatives including people who haven’t received funding before.
The full list of projects to look forward to this year is:
Alison Wain
“Sustainability Through Children’s Voices” – Artist & Educator Alison Wain will partner with local artists & environmental organisations to host sessions at beaches in Adur. This process will be documented through film to create a documentary highlighting children’s voices, thoughts & ideas on environmental issues.
Friends of Independent Lives
“Postcards from Disability Pride Month Worthing” – The service users at Friends of Independent Lives are getting ready to share their stories & lived experiences through a series of workshops developing a series of postcards. The postcards will be distributed during Disability Pride Month in July across Worthing.
Highdown Gardens
“Spring Discover Days” – with interactive creative workshops & events this Spring; discover Highdown Gardens. The team are inviting children & families to enjoy the gardens with a variety of engaging workshops & activities featuring; Rainbow Shakespeare Theatre, Figment Arts, Creative Waves & more.
The Circular Space
“A Summer of Print” – After recently launching a new creative space in Shoreham, Over the Moon & The Circular Space will be celebrating the warmer months with ‘A Summer of Print’. Engaging printmaking sessions will take place during the Adur Art Trail in the heart of Shoreham for people of all ages. Examples of the work produced will be on display at The Circular Space at the end of August.
Worthing Dementia Hub
“King’s Coronation Celebration” – after a successful Christmas concert, the dementia friendly choir ‘Stay Vocal’ will be rehearsing & performing to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, alongside sketch shows & intergenerational performances with local schools. The event will be held at St Symphorian’s Church, Durrington in May.
Morgan Andrews
“Into the Wellderness” – Filmmaker Morgan Andrews, will be collaborating with The Wellderness CIC to interview & work with participants who access the service. Morgan will include local illustrators & musicians in the film, whilst also showcasing the natural beauty of Adur & Worthing. Screenings will take place locally in the Autumn.
Wowbagger Productions
“Acid Box: Comics, Electronic Music, Careers & Health ” – Acid Box is a participatory arts project run by Sara Kenney and her team of freelancers at Wowbagger Productions, based in Worthing. Activities take place from March to December 2023 – digitally on a global level and in person within Worthing, Lancing & Littlehampton.
Superstar Arts
“Superstar Arts Podcast” – The participants of Superstar Arts are going on the road with their new podcast. After piloting the first episode on Spotify, the participants with learning disabilities &/or autism will be taking their podcast to the next level. The new series will include conversations & interviews with local people & organisations who work in the creative industries.
Wendy Barratt
“Life Drawing, The Surrealists & Other Strange Phenomena” – a large-scale life drawing event is coming to Worthing for the very first time. During Worthing Festival, artist & event organiser, Wendy Barratt is hosting an exciting life drawing event at The Venue, Worthing, accessible for both seasoned & budding artists.
Worthing Film Club
“Worthing Cinema: Past, Present & Future” – This is one for the film lovers! The much loved Worthing Film Club are working with Screen WoLFF to celebrate all things cinema. Featuring an interactive exhibition & film screenings that celebrate the rich history & current local filmmakers in & around Worthing.
About the Trust;
Adur & Worthing Trust was formed in 2015 and is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.
