The past few years have involved much rooting around, as canopy worked hard to gain an understanding of how it could best serve the creative needs of the Forest of Dean. We networked and trialled new ways of working, and learned a lot along the way.
canopy entered dormancy early in the year. Sadly at this time we said goodbye to Carolyn Black, as her funded position of Project Manager came to its natural end. Carolyn did such an amazing job and was an invaluable part of the team, she is sorely missed.
Many of the steering committee are yet to return to position due to other commitments, but a core number have remained in order to keep things 'ticking along'; Rob Olins, Sara Rickard and Roger Drury.
We welcomed Tanya GG as a new member of the steering committee to help with the administration and public engagement during this time. Tanya brings along with her experience in membership, networks, exhibitions, publicity, websites, graphic design and events through her previous roles of Arts Manager at Broomhill Art Hotel, and Exhibitions and Publicity Officer of North Devon Arts.
As canopy reawakens we have news to share. Below you will find information on our upcoming AGM and artsJAB: Forest of Dean creative showcase, plus a review of our recent creative walks. We also share news from other creative organisations in the Forest, and relevant creative industry information from further afield.
We've been working very hard on artsJAB, which will be on 2nd October at the West Dean Centre in Bream. We have secured funding from the Arts Council, Forest of Dean District Council and West Dean Parish Council.
Participating organisations include (but not limited to) Wyldwood, farOpen, Artspace, The Rewild Project, Barnstorm, and Save the Wye. Local authors will be signing books in the Bream Library, and local community groups involved include PIPS (poetry), Oh Crumbs, Bream Silver Band, and the Forest of Dean Camera Club.
There will be a parade, performances and singing, workshops, raffle and more, it promises to be a fun event for everyone to enjoy. Of course the necessary precautions are being undertaken to minimise risk in all these activities, so that the public can enjoy the event safely. More information can be found on our website.
Canopy network membership is very informal at this time, managed through Facebook and this newsletter subscription. Our Facebook group canopy - creative arts in the Forest of Dean has steadily grown and now has a healthy 400 members. Though of course not everyone in it is based in the Forest, we welcome all who join and show an interest in the fantastic creativity we have here in the Forest, perhaps one day you might visit us and join in! Membership of the network is free, though we welcome donations and are setting up a system on the website to accept them.
We are adding new events, activities and network meetings all the time. Please subscribe to this newsletter, and if you are on social media join our facebook group to find out more.
We are here, we are rooting for you, we will see you soon!
canopynetwork.co.uk
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