November Creative Hub
Published November 13, 2024
Welcome to your monthly update on all things creative in Exeter.
In our November edition we find out about the creative practice of stickerbombing, get an update from this year’s film commissions, and discover the history of cinema in Torquay.
The team at Exeter Phoenix have been busy this summer working on the Torquay Cinema Heritage Project, a collection of short films that look at the history and impact of cinema and film in Torquay and how the people, places and memories of cinema going continue to influence the town. They launched the project with a screening at Kents Cavern in October, and below is an insight into the project so far.
"It's important to capture the stories around social spaces like the cinema, not just to preserve them, but to make people appreciate their importance as centres of the community."
Come As You Are, our one-day festival exploring gender identity and celebrating the trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities of the South West, returns in November. This year our programme hosts a range of interactive activities and drop-in crafts, informative talks and discussions, music and art, and much more! Ahead of the festival we spoke to artist Maple Bloom (AKA Fragment) about the creative practice of stickerbombing.
"As I've gotten to know more of the community in the city and seen more sticker artists spring up we've all found ourselves regularly getting together, throwing around ideas, having drawing sessions... We've all found ourselves really inspired by each other and I think that shows a lot when you see everyone's stickers around Exeter's streets, with friends' art being right next to each other, people having conversations with strangers through stickers, it's a very friendly and encouraging environment to be in."
Alice Clough is a research-led artist with a background in archaeology and anthropology. Alice has been busy collecting footage for her Artist’s Moving Image commission ‘I would crawl into a horse’s left ear’ and has shared some behind the scenes photos and updates with us!
"This commission has been such an enjoyable process, and a massive learning curve! It’s been a series of firsts for me, from the first time using professional cameras and lenses to the first time collaborating and seeking support from other creative professionals. I think one of the loveliest things about it has been having a reason to spend long periods of time in the company of horses, and I also feel really excited by the sort of patchwork process of experimentation in the edit - seeing how image affects sound, words affect image, etc."
In November South West Dance Hub are curating Biophilia, a trio of magical performances by Devon based artists from the collectives Swift Dance Co, Noon, and Chhya Youth. We chatted to Ruth Bell, member of SWDH and Swift Dance Co, about the inspiration behind the themes and curation of the event and the importance of collaboration and creative collectives.
"Being part of the Swift Dance Company and South West Dance Hub offers me space to explore ideas, take risks and develop new work. I love the mix of artists we work with and the support being part of a collective offers. I feel very lucky to be part of this creative mixing pot."
Opportunities and Callouts
Exeter Phoenix South West Animation Film Fund | Deadline: Sun 17 Jan
Exeter Phoenix will offer one South West based filmmaker £500 in cash funding to support the production of a short animated film which is 3-5 minutes in length. The fund includes access to mentoring, training and equipment. The production could use a range of animation styles such as handdrawn, CGI or stop-motion. Applicants will be required to pitch their ideas at Two Short Nights Film Festival, Thu 6 Feb 2025.
Theatre West: Coralations | Deadline: 28 Feb
120 plays and 35 years later, Theatre West is celebrating its coral anniversary with a brand new project! In a tough new writing landscape, but with our new BOV Associate Company residency, we want the women in our region to get writing over the next 18 months.
Recommended Events
Come As You Are | Sun 17 Nov, 11am - 9pm | Exeter Phoenix
Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2024 | 28 Sep - 07 Dec | KARST, The Levinsky Gallery and MIRROR (Plymouth)
DOCLAB at Exmouth Film Festival | Wed 20 Nov, 7pm | Scott Cinema, Exmouth