A dance artist and a writer have taken over the lease on a building that has stood empty for 15 years in Cambois, Blyth.
The Cambois Miners Welfare Institute stands on Unity Terrace and will be the venue to showcase a brand new project called ‘Stairwall’.
Stairwall has been conceived by dance artist, Esther Huss and will also feature music and visual art by Jeremy Bradfield and Claudia Sacher.
Esther Huss lead artist and one of the leaseholders of the building said, “I am so excited to welcome local people that I have not met yet into the ‘Tute’ I would love to find out about people stories, memories of the space and future ideas, and this project will give me the opportunity to do just that. I am passionate that the area is well served and myself and partner; writer Alex Oates, wish to breathe some new life into an old, previously unused building.
The exciting project, has been successful in securing funding from Dance City, Northumberland County Council and Arts Council, England. It is being produced by Sarah Hudson alongside Esther and at its’ core is the desire to work and involve local residents and invite them into ‘the Tute’ for the first major activity in years.
‘Stairwall’ is about journeys and the things that we climb and it has three opportunities for local people to be involved. There will be the chance to take part in a workshop in movement, dance and visual art on Thursday 7 October from 6-7.30pm absolutely no experience necessary at all, just an interest and a desire to have a go! There are no age restrictions – it can be a truly intergenerational experience.
An early stage sharing performance will take place on Friday 15 October at 3pm and 7pm following a two month period of research and development for the artists. Both activities are offered free of charge.
Later on in the month there will be an exhibition in the space running from Friday 22 October 5-9pm and Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 October 10,30-3.30pm.
The exhibition will include everything produced during the workshops, music, costume, visual artwork and a new film by Candle and Bell. The displays produced through the intergenerational arts project will be able to be enjoyed by the whole community and anyone passing is more than welcome to pop in during those times.
A partnership has also formed with Cambois Primary School and pupils from the school will be taking part in a special workshop and performance just for them. Their work will also be shown in the exhibition.
If you would like to find out more about any of these activities, book free tickets or to find out more about the venue please email info@theinstitute.uk
Gemma's Journey 