Comments Off on BSL Accessible Screenings At Scandifilm
Scandifilm is a season of Nordic and Scandinavian cinema. It will take place throughout January, February and March at Exeter Phoenix. Scandifilm is unique and enchanting. It will feature exciting film experiences that offer a taste of the Scandinavian culture. At Scandifilm you can see the best new dramas, enlightening documentaries and immerse yourself in the magic of cinema.
We are currently looking to improve our screenings and events that are suitable for BSL and Deaf audiences. If you have any feedback – however big or small – we would love to hear from you.
We’re delighted to announce that six Oscar nominated films are making their way to Studio 74 over the next few weeks. Read on to find out more.
La La Land
Afterbreaking Golden Globes records with an impressive 7 wins, La La Land continues to make history. With an astonishing fourteen nominations, the movie-musical has equalled the record for most nominations.
Showing: Fri 3 Feb – Thu 9 Feb
Nominated for:
Best picture
Best actress (Emma Stone)
Best actor (Ryan Gosling)
Best director (Damien Chazelle)
Best original screenplay
Best original song (Audition)
Best original song (City of Stars)
Best original score
Best cinematography
Best costume design
Best sound editing
Best sound mixing
Best production design
Best film editing
Manchester By Sea
Kenneth Lonergan’s drama about a grief-stricken Boston janitor scooped an impressive six nominations. With a Golden Globe winning performance from Casey Affleck and a further six BAFTA nominations to its name, Manchester By The Sea has fast become one of the most talked about films around.
Showing: Fri 3 Mar – Thu 9 Mar
Nominated for:
Best picture
Best actor (Casey Affleck)
Best supporting actress (Michelle Williams)
Best supporting actor (Lucas Hedges)
Best director (Kenneth Lonergan)
Best original screenplay
Moonlight
This coming-of-age tale chronicles the life of a young black man as he struggles to find his place in the world. Moonlight follows up its four BAFTA nominations and best film Golden Globe win with an impressive eight Oscar nods.
Showing: Fri 17 Mar – Thu 23 Mar
Nominated for:
Best picture
Best supporting actress (Naomie Harris)
Best supporting actor (Mahershala Ali)
Best director (Barry Jenkins)
Best adapted screenplay (Barry Jenkins and Alvin McCraney)
Best original score
Best cinematography
Best film editing
Jackie
Natalie Portman stars in this daring portrait of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The extraordinary English language directorial debut from Chilean director Pablo Larraín follows three BAFTA nominations with three Oscar nominations.
Showing: Fri 17 Feb – Thu 23 Feb
Nominated for:
Best actress (Natalie Portman)
Best original score
Best costume design
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Animation doesn’t get much better than this. With an all-star cast of voice actors, Kubo And The Two Strings is a gorgeously animated stop-motion sensation full of big laughs and scares.
Showing: Mon 13 Feb – Wed 15 Feb
NOMINATED FOR:
Best animated feature
Best visual effects
TONI ERDMANN
This comedy-drama from a little-known German director took Cannes Film Festival by storm, before going on to receive an Academy Award nomination alongside its BAFTA nomination.
Comments Off on An open invitation to celebrate a new season of cultural events in Exeter
Thu 26 Jan | 7pm | Exeter Cathedral
Exeter’s cultural venues will celebrate a new season of events at a launch party held at the Cathedral on Thu 26 Jan. Open to the public and completely free of charge, the launch is an opportunity for people to meet those working in the city’s cultural venues and find out more about the wide range of events going on in Exeter.
From theatre productions to art exhibitions, concerts and festivals, events taking place in Exeter this season will give audiences the chance to enjoy work from home-grown talent alongside nationally recognised companies.
Visitors to RAMM have the opportunity to view loans from the Royal Collection illustrating Queen Victoria’s historic visit to Paris in 1855 which have never before been displayed in their entirety; the UK’s finest comedians come to venues including Exeter Phoenix and the Corn Exchange for Laugh Out Loud; Exeter’s acclaimed Theatre Alibi show their newest production Fish Eye at the Bike Shed Theatre: whilst up at Exeter Northcott audiences can see the world premiere of Le Navet Bete’s Dracula: The Bloody Truth.
There are plenty of opportunities for people to participate in events throughout the city: Exeter Library will host a Bibliotherapy Day where you’ll get a personal-shopper to recommend books you’ll love; Kaleider offer free lunchtime talks on Fridays with fantastic speakers varying from creatives, scientists, technologists and researchers; and Cygnet Theatre’s students perform a new production of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.
Tickets to the launch are are absolutely free but are subject to availability on a first-come-first served basis. They must be booked in advance via The Bike Shed Theatre’s website.
Comments Off on 2017 Golden Globe Award Winners Announced
With the Golden Globes ceremony kicking off awards season, we’re delighted to announce that a trio of Golden Globe winning films are included in our upcoming film season.
La La Land
La La Land broke Golden Globes records, winning every category it was nominated in. With an impressive 7 wins to its name, the movie musical follows a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love Los Angeles.
Winner:
Best film score
Best original song (City Of Stars)
Best actor (Ryan Gosling)
Best screenplay
Best film director (Damien Chazelle)
Best actress in a film (comedy/musical) (Emma Stone)
Best film (comedy/musical)
Manchester By Sea
Starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams, Manchester By The Sea is an emotion-fuelled drama that has been acclaimed for its a brutally honest portrayal of grief.
Nominated for:
Best actor (drama) Casey Affleck
Moonlight
Chronicling the life of a young black man as he struggles to find his place in the world, Moonlight has received four BAFTA nominations alongside its Golden Globes win.
Nominated for:
Best film (drama)
Awards season continues, with the BAFTA nominations announced earlier today. Read more here >>
Awards season kicked off in style with the Golden Globes ceremony earlier this week. Today saw the announcement of the 2017 BAFTA nominations.
We’re delighted to announce that our upcoming film season includes several BAFTA nominated titles.
La La Land
La La Land broke Golden Globes records earlier this week with an impressive 7 wins. The movie musical follows a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love Los Angeles.
Nominated for:
Best film
Best director (Damien Chazelle)
Best original screenplay
Best actor (Ryan Gosling)
Best actress (Emma Stone)
Best original music
Best cinematography
Best editing
Best production design
Best costume design
Best sound
Kubo And The Two Strings
With an all-star cast of voice actors, Kubo And The Two Strings is a gorgeously animated stop-motion sensation full of big laughs and scares.
Nominated for:
Best animated film
Jackie
This daring portrait of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is the extraordinary English language directorial debut from Chilean director Pablo Larraín.
Nominated for:
Best actress (Natalie Portman)
Best original music
Best costume design
Manchester By Sea
Starring Golden Globe winner Casey Affleck, Manchester By The Sea is an emotion-fuelled drama that has been acclaimed for its a brutally honest portrayal of grief.
Nominated for:
Best film
Best director (Kenneth Longergan)
Best original screenplay
Best actor (Casey Affleck)
Best supporting actress (Michelle Williams)
Best editing
Moonlight
Chronicling the life of a young black man as he struggles to find his place in the world, Moonlight has received four nominations for its timeless story of self-discovery.
Nominated for:
Best film
Best original screenplay
Best supporting actor (Mahershala Ali)
Best supporting actress (Naomi Harris)
Toni Erdmann
This comedy-drama from a little-known German director took Cannes Film Festival by storm, before going on to receive its BAFTA nomination.
Scandifilm returns to Exeter Phoenix for a third year of unique and enchanting film experiences, all centred around Scandinavian cinema.
This is more than just a film festival. This is an opportunity to live, eat and breathe Scandi. Join us throughout January, February and March to experience our pick of the best new Scandinavian film titles and much more.
Scandi Drama
A slice of Danish history in new drama from the makers of The Killing, bone-chilling horror based on true life events at Norway’s Lake Bodom, and magical gender-role-bending fantasy based on one of Sweden’s best selling novels.
Breathtaking documentary
Follow fearless cave divers, see the film that’s been dubbed the ‘real life Cool Runnings’ and find out what happens when culturally isolated teens discover synthesisers in the untold story of the rise of Norwegian dance music.
Immerse yourself
This season is crammed full of experiences that go beyond your average trip to the cinema. Join us to drink lingonberry juice and liquorice vodka, experience magical live storytelling from the Viking sagas and warm yourself with hot chocolate and marshmallows at our retro Nordic camp.
There will be opportunities to meet and greet the filmmakers behind some of the season’s best films, and experience for yourself why the Danes are beginning to consider bugs as good eating, in our special insect tasting workshop.
What’s On
Find the full list of films, performances, workshops and immersive events here >>
Comments Off on Two Short Nights 2016 Awards Announced
Our annual short film festival, Two Short Nights, brought flocks of filmmakers, viewers and industry specialists to the city last week in a celebration of short film and the people who make them.
Now in its fifteenth year, last week’s festival was the biggest to date and attracted record numbers of film lovers to the city. Featuring the best of local and international short film, events ranged from screenings covering an extraordinary variety of animation, documentary and fantastic storytelling and unmissable opportunities for emerging filmmakers in the South West.
The festival’s opening night on Thu 1 Dec included the 48 Hour Film Screening, a collection of films written, shot and edited in just 48 hours. The second day of the festival featured a sell-out screening premiering our 2016 film commissions – 7 films made by emerging local talent with support from the city-centre arts hub.
Jonas Hawkins, Digital Media Manager said: ‘The festival is all about offering a platform for new and emerging film talent and connecting filmmakers with a cinema audience’.
Other festival highlights included four curated selections of inspiring short film from directors across the globe, panel discussions, filmmaker advice sessions and a Live Pitch from teams of filmmakers competing to win the £750 South West Animation Short Film Commission for 2017. The commission was awarded to Exeter-based animator Stephen Whittingham, for his project idea Totem, a modern telling of a shamanistic coming of age tale through animation and live action, which will be made over the next 12 months and premiered at next year’s Two Short Nights Festival. An award ceremony and after party brought the festival to a close.
Award Winners
Best Short Film Award
Bulgarian filmmaker Toma Waszarow for his film Red Light (Na Červeno)
Audience Choice Award
Exeter University Students Timiakindelle-Ajani & Hana Elias for their film The Search Party
Best 48 Hour Film Award
First place: Team Candyland’s film Little Billy Matches
Second place: Team Klassisk’s film Dölja Dem Väl
Third place: Team Exeter Indie’s film Hide Your Fears
Alongside their award, each winner received subscriptions to industry-standard software packages, a week’s worth of kit hire from Exeter Phoenix, a subscription to Little White Lies magazine and free cinema tickets.
At the end of the festival we officially opened their 2017 commissions, a collection of filmmaker opportunities for the coming year offering over £10,000 worth of support to filmmakers across the South West.
Applicants are invited to submit ideas for films across four categories, and selected applications will be supported in the creation of their films through 2017.
Find out more about our 2017 commissions schemes and apply here >>
A series of eight films which looks at sub-cultural groups will be showing in Studio 74 between From 18 Nov – 13 Dec.
Alien Nation has been curated by Fabian’s Film CIC, a locally based production company. Each film deals with at least one sub-cultural theme around teenage/old age, class, race, gender and disability.
Dr John Sealey, Director of Fabian’s Film comments:
‘As a Community Interest Company we wanted to put together a season of films which could be both entertaining and informative. Although the themes within each film illustrates issues which might be considered as specific to certain groups – such as ageing or cultural identity – they are in fact issues which concern us all as a society and can act as a starting point in bringing people together.’
The season also includes a director Q&A and an post-screening discussion around relationships in later age, led by Corrine Bailey of Age UK.
The season is funded by the Film Hub South West and West Midlands, part of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Films
Metro Manila (15)
Winner of a slew of awards, including Best Director at the 2013 British Independent Film Awards, this thriller audaciously transposes the tropes of early American Film Noir to the streets of modern Manila.
Winner of the 2014 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, Ida follows soon-to-be nun Anna as she embarks on a voyage of discovery with her one living relative before taking her vows.
This working-class French love story follows bouncer Ali, who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. After meeting Stephanie, the two lost souls discover new meaning in life when Ali enters the dangerous world of underground boxing.
A hit with critics and audiences alike at the Sundance Film Festival, Dope tells the story of Malcolm, carefully surviving life in a tough LA neighbourhood when a chance invitation to an underground party changes everything.
An astute cinematic portrait of youth based on real life cases of bullying, Play painfully highlights the rituals and consequences of the power relationships between the new generation in the Swedish city of Gothenburg.
This whimsical, nuanced sci-fi fantasy takes a fresh look at our society through the yes of an escaped slave from outer space who crash lands in Harlem and is taken in by the regulars of a local bar.
With a unique brand of realism, socio-political critique and warped humour, Paradise: Love explores the market value of sexuality through the tale of 50 year old Teresa and her vacation to Kenya as a sex tourist.
A film exploring fidelity, desire and love in the twilight years and subverting convention to present a brave account of young love in old age. Inge is a happily-married woman in her mid-sixties until her world is turned upside down.
Exeter Phoenix will be offering several week-long work placements in the summer of 2017. This will involve working with our admin, marketing, digital, tech, and front of house departments on a variety of tasks.
Please return the application form below to Sarah MacGregor (sarah.macgregor@exeterphoenix.org.uk) by Wed 21 Dec 2016. All application forms will then be reviewed and those successful will be asked to come in for an informal interview. After the interview stage we will contact you to advise whether you have been accepted to take your placement here.
We receive a lot of applications and interest and therefore can’t take everyone, so would recommend that you also approach other workplaces.
Thank you and we look forward to receiving your application forms.
Contemporary Art Auction, Snow-filled Family Adventures and A Madcap Mix Of Festival Fun
In the run up to Christmas, we are delighted to announce some of the biggest events in our calendar including the hotly anticipated line up for our famous sell-out New Years Eve bash, and our family Christmas show, a long-term collaboration with the startlingly innovative Quirk Theatre.
To celebrate the 100 years since Ernest Shackleton’s famous expedition across Antarctica, Quirk Theatre will be bringing their wonderfully silly and exceptionally inventive new production Ernie and The Sea of Ice to over four thousand people this Christmas time. Children with a penchant for adventure will be thrilled by the unbelievable tale of derring-do, penguins and Great British spirit that unfolds after Ernie sets off on the good ship Endeavor with his brave crew.
Art collectors and enthusiasts will be delighted by the range of pieces on offer at our Charity Art Auction taking place in November, a first for our galleries which are best known for bringing stand-out art to the city through our contemporary gallery exhibitions. The auction will include work from Turner Prize nominated artist David Shrigley, a photograph by Murray Close, taken on the set of Withnail and I, signed by the photographer, director Bruce Robinson and lead actors Paul McGann and Richard E Grant, as well as artwork and prints from artists Chantal Joffe, Chris Ofili and many more.
Finally, we have announced details of their famous New Years Eve extravaganza, building on the sell out success of the Time Traveller’s Ball (2014) and Wonderland (2015). This year’s Pick ‘N’ Mix event asks ‘Why go to one party when you can go to them all?’ Revellers will be invited to a building overflowing with a madcap mix of the best shindigs, celebrations and festivals, all under one roof. From high school discos to birthday parties, Mardi Gras to Oktoberfest, and with the usual array of live music, walkaround acts and immersive décor, this event is set to be the city’s hot ticket this New Year’s Eve.
All of this takes place among one of our busiest seasons of live events and films on record. Live music will be coming from cult band New Model Army, Throwing Muses frontwoman Kristin Hersch and Devon blugrass heroes Flats and Sharps. Nish Kumar’s smart and daring new show takes the slot as the season’s comedy highlight after dazzling reviewers at Edinburgh.
Our final mention goes to the BFI’s national Blackstar film season, a celebration of black actors taking place across the UK this autumn. Our independent cinema Studio 74 hosts one of the national highlights of the Blackstar celebration, with a special screening of the1967 Oscar-winning racial police thriller In The Heat of The Night alongside a Q&A and post-screening DJ set from the legendary Norman Jay MBE.
Comments Off on Become an Exeter Phoenix Gallery Invigilator
Are you are looking to gain experience in a contemporary arts environment, and immerse yourself in the Exeter art scene?
Exeter Phoenix has a vibrant contemporary art programme with four galleries showing a diverse range of visual arts, from our larger Phoenix Gallery which is home to a programme of cutting edge contemporary exhibitions, to the Walkway gallery that shows works from local groups and community projects.
We are looking for people to assist in invigilating our main gallery on Saturday afternoons, talking to visitors, keeping an eye on the artwork and helping collect comments.
You will get the opportunity to find out more about the exhibitions by talking with the curators and artists about their shows and be invited to attend gallery previews, talks and events.
Why volunteer with us?
Many of our volunteers have gone on to work in the arts, and even some of our very own staff started out as volunteer stewards. Volunteering is a good first step if you would like to get involved with our buzzing venue and be part of a small, fun and dedicated team.
Gain experience in a multi arts venue with one of the most exciting, diverse and eclectic programmes around.
If you are interested in a career in visual arts this would provide good experience of a professional arts setting.
20% Café Bar discount card for hot drinks and food – you can use this all year round and when you are not on shift.
A complimentary soft or hot drink when you are on shift
What does it involve?
Helping direct visitors round the various exhibitions
Liaising with Box Office and Front of House
Welcoming and engaging with visitors
Overseeing the safety of the artwork and visitors
Interested?
If you would like to join our dedicated team of volunteers, or simply want to find out more, please contact Robyn here >>
A new festival bringing social justice issues to UK cinemas
The first edition of the Right Now Film Festival Festival comes to UK cinemas this November with a programme of award winning documentary features that follow the lives of people from across the world who are living with the consequences of conflict, corruption, displacement and police brutality. The festival is brought to UK audiences by the people behind the UK Green Film Festival, the UK’s leading environmental film organisation.
Our very own Studio 74 is one of the three venues supporting the festival, alongside Kent’s Gulbenkian Theatre and The Showroom in Sheffield. Find out more about our screenings below:
Peace Officer
Tue 01 Nov 2016 | 7.30pm | £6*
This multi award-winning documentary considers the story of a former sheriff who established his state’s first SWAT team only to see that same unit kill his son-in-law in a controversial stand off 30 years later.
The Russian Woodpecker
Thu 03 Nov 2016 | 7.30pm | £6*
A thrilling, award winning investigation into the ghosts of the Soviet Union and the mind of an irradiated Ukrainian artist on a quest to discover the ‘criminal’ behind the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
DIY Country
Fri 04 Nov 2016 | 6.30pm | £6*
This brave and human documentary explores the pro Russian separatists movement straight from the front line over a 2-year period. A HotDocs favourite, DIY Country captures the origins and evolution of the Donetsk People’s Republic in East Ukraine from hopeful and naive beginnings, to hate, destruction and infighting.
Shadow World
Sat 05 Nov 2016 | 6.30pm | £6*
Winner of Best Documentary Feature Film at Edinburgh Film Festival, Shadow World reveals the shocking realities of the global arms trade, the only business that counts its profits in billions and its losses in human lives.
*Please note that there is a £1.50 fee per transaction
Studio 74 is proud to be taking part in #BFIBlackStar season – the UK’s biggest ever season of film and television dedicated to celebrating the range, versatility and power of black actors. Black Star celebrates the relationship between stars and the audiences who love them, spotlighting great performances by black actors on screen.
We are bringing three special events to Exeter as part of this nationwide celebration.
Norman Jay MBE presents In The Heat Of The Night
Thu 17 Nov | 7.50pm | £6 | Film + DJ Set £12*
A special screening of the Oscar-winning story of an African American detective working in a racially hostile southern town, followed by a Q&A with legendary DJ Norman Jay MBE and a live DJ set from the man himself until late.
Norman Jay MBE: DJ Set
Thu 17 Nov | 8pm-1am | £10 (£8)*
Exeter Phoenix are pleased to welcome a truly legendary man, one of the finest and most respected DJs in the land, co-founder KISS FM and a personal friend of the Queen, yes it’s the mighty Norman Jay MBE. Let the good times roll!
After Dark Double Bill
Sat 3 Dec | 9.30pm & 11.15pm | £6 each or £10 for both*
Late night cinema celebrating ‘Black Stars’ who have a major contribution to film. Actor Duane Jones played landmark roles in Bill Gunn’s utterly original 70’s sci-fiGanja and Hess as well as George A Romero’s zombie classic Night Of The Living Dead.
*Please note that there is a £1.50 fee per transaction
Comments Off on Winner of Exeter’s International Open Art Award Announced
Our exclusive awards ceremony and exhibition opening last night saw US born artist Devlin Shea announced as the winner of the prestigious £1000 Overall Award for Exeter Contemporary Open 2016.
Devlin Shea said, ‘It’s been great to be part of this exhibition. The team at Exeter Phoenix have done a brilliant job, I’ve never seen my work hung in this way before. A lot of consideration has gone into how the works of the eight different artists speak with one another, and the overall effect is fantastic. I’m delighted to have won.’
The £500 Additional Award went to Cornwall-based moving image artist Naomi Frears, for her piece Study In Hindsight.
Introduced last year, the new Moving Image award was given to artist Dorine Van Meel. The artist will be given the opportunity to reach new audiences through a series of screenings in Exeter Phoenix’s independent cinema, Studio 74, as well as a special screening of her work at Exeter’s Two Short Nights Film Festival in December.
The selected artwork of the three winners is presented alongside pieces from five other shortlisted artists in a free-entry exhibition at Exeter Phoenix from 16 Sep to 5 Nov. Find our more about the screenings here >>
This year’s eight exhibition finalists were selected from hundreds of entries by a judging panel made up of Birmingham’s Grand Union Director Cheryl Jones, writer and NGCA Curator George Vasey, and Exeter Phoenix’s Gallery Curator Matt Burrows.
Now celebrating its eleventh year, the Exeter Contemporary Open is supported by long-time sponsor Haines Watts Chartered Accountants and is providing an important national platform for contemporary visual artists. Ben de Cruz, Managing Partner of the firm said, ‘Another fantastic exhibition of eye-opening contemporary art, Haines Watts continue to be thrilled to support this exhibition as the main sponsor.’
A further Audience Choice award, voted for by visitors to the gallery will be announced at the end of the exhibition. The Exeter Contemporary Open also received generous support from media partners Exeter Living and The Big Issue, and St Austell’s who provided wine for the exhibition opening.
Our graffiti garden has been transformed with the help of Marks and Spencers’ Spark Something Good project.
A team of green-fingered volunteers spent the day clearing out the messy, disused space and converted it into a beautiful, safe, green area for inspiring arts activities.
Nine M&S stores from Plymouth to Exeter took part in Spark Something Good, which saw more than 300 volunteers give up over 2,653 hours for free, in order to make a positive difference.
Spark Something Good is part of a national M&S initiative that will see 24 projects at the heart of local communities take place across 24 cities in the UK and Ireland over the course of 24 months. The campaign aims to inspire and motivate M&S employees and customers to grab a shovel, pick up a paintbrush and take action for social good – donating time to their local communities to improve lives.
Have a flick through the gallery below, or pop in and see the new garden for yourself!
Last year, we opened our brand new bespoke cinema space, Studio 74. The only truly independent cinema in Exeter, this intimate and beautifully designed 74 seat screening space presents a rolling programme of first rate independent film and latest arthouse releases.
Tickets are just £6 across the board, but we’re going one further with Free Popcorn Saturdays. We’ll treat you to a free bag of Portlebay Popcorn with every ticket to our Saturday screenings.
Flash Sale
We’ve teamed up with our pals at The Bike Shed Theatre for a city-wide flash sale. Book by Mon 5 Sep to get 2-4-1 tickets to our Saturday screenings. Free popcorn and a free ticket? You can’t say fairer than that! Find out more about our flash sale here >>
Comments Off on An Open Letter: Supporting Exeter’s expression of interest to the ‘Great Place Scheme’
Exeter bids to win £1.5m cultural funding in Great Place Scheme
Exeter is looking to secure £1.5 million of grant funding to make heritage and arts in the city and beyond even greater than it is now. The City Council – working alongside the Exeter Cultural Partnership – is to submit an expression of interest to the Great Place Scheme.
Launched by Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic England, the Great Place Scheme is offering up £1.5 million to 12 pilot areas to enhance arts and cultural activities. In addition, the national cultural bodies of HLF, Historic England and the Arts Council will provide advice and support to the successful ‘Great Places’. The scheme will run from 2017 to 2020.
Exeter City Council and Exeter Cultural Partnership believe that the strong and distinctive cultural offer in the city can act as a focal point for a ‘greater Exeter’ Great Place. Many organisations based in the city serve a much wider area, Exeter has one of the highest pro rata commuter populations in England and the City Council recognises the value of culture in improving the quality of peoples’ lives and the local economy. Exeter is also one of only five ‘Archaeological Areas of Importance’ in the country as designated by Historic England, and the only one in the south west.
Part of a successful Exeter-led application will include plans to support cultural participation in rural areas in collaboration with organisations elsewhere in Devon.
The Council is working with Exeter Cultural Partnership and others to submit an expression of interest by 6 October. The cultural bodies will then assess these and invite the strongest expressions of interest to submit fully worked-up plans by the New Year.
Competition for the Scheme is expected to be tough. To encourage support for the expression of interest, an Open Letter has been written and endorsed by over thirty organisations and prominent individuals including author Michael Morpurgo OBE, Ben Bradshaw MP, Andy Cooper (Editor of Devon Life), the National Trust and leaders of arts, heritage, tourism and cultural organisations. You can read the open letter below.
Martin Thomas, Culture Director, Exeter Cultural Partnership, said: ‘We know that this is a Great Place to live. There is talent and creativity in Exeter and the surrounding area. This new Scheme provides us with the chance to invest in that idea, to develop cultural organisations and better connect the heritage, arts and historic environment with strategic plans for the economy, health and well-being.’
Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: ‘I’m proud of Exeter as a city for its exciting and emerging arts and cultural activities but there is potential to do so much more and further enrich the lives of not only those who live here but those that choose to visit this great city. If we were to be successful we could make arts and culture even greater in Exeter.’
An Open Letter
Supporting Greater Exeter’s expression of interest to the ‘Great Place Scheme’
The Great Place Scheme has been launched by Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England. Expressions of interest are being sought from across the country to be awarded one of the 12 pilot places in the Scheme to run 2017-20. This presents not only an opportunity for investment in culture, but also a chance to take advice from national bodies, to learn from and share with others, in a genuinely collaborative way.
We know that participation in the arts and creativity, heritage and the historic environment is positive for communities; we understand the value of culture in improving the quality of people’s lives. This is a chance to innovate and nurture talent; to establish new collaborations and strengthen existing ones. It is a superb opportunity to look to the future and ensure this part of the world remains an exceptional place in which to live, learn, love and grow. This Scheme presents a great opportunity to build on the good work that has gone before.
It is extremely relevant not only to the greater Exeter area, but the surrounding communities for the following reasons:
It allows locally defined areas to formulate new collaborations for culture, to encourage more engagement in heritage, arts and creative activity
It builds on the existing strengths within the local arts, culture and heritage sectors in order to maximise their positive cultural, social and economic contribution
The Scheme will help develop collaboration so that the contribution of culture is recognised in and supported by long-term plans for the area – including health and wellbeing, economic development and destination management.
It complements the Arts Council ‘place-making’ agenda that the Exeter Cultural Partnership was established to develop
There is a natural fit with the city’s Cultural Action Plan and with Exeter City Council’s prioritising of culture within economic development
Many cultural organisations based in Exeter reach far and wide across Devon and beyond. We want to do more of that and do it well.
Exeter Cultural Partnership, which has representation from across arts, education, food, health, heritage, libraries, museums, retail and sport, is fully supportive of making a bid. Exeter City Council is taking a lead role in making the case and is inviting neighbouring District Councils to collaborate in this endeavour.
The Scheme not only offers additional funding; it also provides a framework for us to try a more joined-up and sustainable model of engaging people from across our local government areas with culture. It will allow us to learn from, and share with, each other.
Our part of the world is a great place to be, where people from town or country, city or seaside can come together. Let’s make it together – let’s make a great case for the Great Place Scheme.
v Celia Atherton OBE, Vice Chair of Scope
v Rt Hon Ben Bradshaw MP
v Alasdair Cameron, Managing Director, Exeter Cathedral
v Andy Cooper, Editor, Devon Life; Group Editor South West, Archant
v Stuart Crewes, Creative Director, Art Week Exeter
v Patrick Cunningham, Director, Exeter Phoenix
v Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Member for Economy & Culture, Exeter City Council
v Ciara Eastell, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited
v Councillor Pete Edwards, Leader of Exeter City Council
v Matt Evans, Chief Executive, Active Devon
v Councillor Nigel Grimshire, Cranbrook Town Council
v Camilla Hampshire, Museums Manager & Cultural Lead, Royal Albert Memorial Museum
v Karime Hassan, Chief Executive, Exeter City Council
v Victoria Hatfield, Economy & Tourism Manager, Exeter City Council
v Liz Hill, Director, Daisi
v Professor Stephen Hodge, Director of Arts & Culture, University of Exeter
v Jenny How, Director, Visit Dartmoor Organization
v Jo Hunter, Co-founder, 64 Million Artists
v Paul Jepson, Artistic & Executive Director, Exeter Northcott Theatre
v John Laramy, Principal & Chief Executive, Exeter College
v David Lockwood, Director, The Bike Shed Theatre
v Claire McLaughlin, Business Director, Double Elephant Print Workshop
v Jay Milling, Chair, Exeter Cultural Partnership
v Michael Morpurgo OBE FRSL
v Sarah O’Brien, South West External Affairs Manager, National Trust
v Dr Virginia Pearson, Director of Public Health, Devon County Council
v Derek Phillips, Vice President, Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Chairman, Heart of Devon Area Tourism Partnership
v Mattie Richardson, Chair, Fore Street Collective and Board Member, Exeter Business Improvement District
v Rhys Roberts, Chair, Visit Devon
v David Savill, Chairman, Exeter Chamber of Commerce & Industry
v Phillip Smart, General Manager, Killerton Estate, National Trust
v Sarah Stride, Acting General Manager, Visit South Devon
v Lady Studholme, Chair, Board of Trustees, Exeter Northcott Theatre
v Nikki Sved, Artistic Director, Theatre Alibi
v Julian Tagg, Chairman, Exeter City Football Club
v Dr Janet Tall, Head of Archives & Local Studies, South West Heritage Trust
v Martin Thomas, Culture Director, Exeter Cultural Partnership
v Dr Phil Wickham, Curator, The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, University of Exeter
We’ve teamed up with our pals at the Bike Shed Theatre for a one off FLASH SALE. That means hundreds of bargain tickets for upcoming theatre, live music, workshops and film across the city. Treat yourself to a month or two of playing culture vulture…
Visit the Bike Shed Theatre website to find out what’s on offer there,
or check out our selected sale events below.
Exeter’s flash sale lasts from 1 – 5th September. During that time, tickets for a great selection of events at Exeter Phoenix will be 2 for 1, using promo code ‘flash’ online or at our box office. Subject to availability. Please note that tickets for the Bike Shed Theatre will need to be purchased from the Bike Shed Theatre.
Comments Off on £750 Film Commission up for grabs to South West Animators
Exeter Phoenix Is Launching the First of its 2017 Commission Call Outs
In a live pitch, budding filmmakers are being given the opportunity to win a package of support from Exeter Phoenix to make their film idea reality.
This week we launched the application process for the first of a series of films we will commission during 2017 – the South West Animation Film Commission. Anyone with an idea for a short animated film is invited to submit an application to the judges. The shortlisted applicants will then be invited to pitch their idea to a panel of industry experts in front of a live audience at Exeter’s Two Short Nights Film Festival this December. The winner will be awarded £750 as well as in kind support valued at over £1000 to help with the development of a five minute animation.
We have been commissioning short film projects for 13 years. In this time nearly 90 short films have been funded and/or supported and developed. Many of the individuals have gone on to exhibit and screen their work nationally and internationally, winning awards including Cannes Short Film Corner, Virgin Media Shorts, Media Innovation Awards and First Light Awards.
This November Studio 74 will be co-hosting Cinemas of Small Nations, a new festival which celebrates the rich film culture of small European nations. 2016 will focus on Wales, Scotland, Romania and Belgium and events will include features, short film premieres and discussions.
University of Exeter has agreed to match fund every pound that Cinemas of Small Nations can raise. Before the finishing touches can be applied to this absorbing and fascinating season Cinemas of Small Nation are aiming to raise £1270 by the end of August. If you are interested in supporting this project or would like to find out more, take a look here >>
The festival is also calling for short films from young and emerging filmmakers to screen before the features. Find out more about the submission process here >>
Comments Off on An Update From Our Commissioned Filmmakers
Our commissioned filmmakers have been in full swing with their film productions over the last few months, with shoots taking place locally and further afield across the UK.
Bethan Highgate-Betts has finished picking up all the last shots for her film Pink and has begun the edit process. The music is going to be a key element to the film, as Bethan reports: ‘We’re lucky enough to have the brilliant Tom Berge on board to create a musical score for the film, so we’re working closely with him during the edit to bring 1940’s Iran to life!’. You can follow Bethan’s progress by checking her blog here >>
Rupert Green and Jack Oliver have been in our new Digital Workshop editing their film Nightmare of Garbhlach. Below is a sneaky peak teaser; it’s definitely got us excited!
Dom Lee has filmed his micro short Rocketshed in a dismantled roofless shed. Dom has reported that the shoot went well and he has started looking through the footage. The stills are looking great and we are eager to see the first edit.
A big congratulations to University of Exeter students Timi and Hana who successfully reached their Kickstarter goal for The Search Party. They are well underway with sourcing actors and crew for their shoot in Dartmoor National Park next week. We are wishing them the best of luck and will make sure they take their waterproofs!
Simeon Costello – our documentary commission – is now safely back in Exeter after his trip across the UK via local bus services. He is now working his way through all the hours of footage and is hoping to arrange interviews with local bus services and transport groups in Devon to add further context to the film.
George Griffiths and Luke Hagan have been out interviewing for their films. Luke went to London to visit Lord of the Logo’s Christophe Szpajdel. While George has been working local people who suffers of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), spending time listening to and recording their experiences.
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