Although we’re missing bumping into residents and hearing about what they’re up to, we’re not surprised to see that many of them have adapted to the strange world we currently find ourselves in.
With many operating in the arts or third sectors, finding a way to continue to deliver on their mission is vital, so we’ve put together a list of some of the opportunities and initiatives we’ve seen so far to help spread the word and celebrate the brilliant work of our residents at this difficult time:
Apples and Snakes: The innovative and inimitable spoken word and poetry organisation have launched Apples and Snakes @ Home. Tune in each Wednesday at 7pm for an hour oflive-streamed poetry and conversation.
Heart n Soul: An award-winning and much-loved creative arts company championing thetalents and power of people with learning disabilities, they have put together online Creative Packs with different activities. There’s a new pack every 2 weeks which are easily accessible online: https://www.heartnsoulasks.com/creative-packs
Yellow Earth: This theatre company that invest in and nurture British East Asian writing, acting and directing talent have teamed up with Chinese Arts Now to offer a commission worth up to £4,000 for those who identify as having Chinese cultural heritage and/or make work that incorporates contemporary Chinese perspectives.
This digital commission is an opportunity for artists to make work within the confines of our current lived context (be quick though, the deadline is 30 April!):https://yellowearth.org/digital-theatre-commission/
Refugee Council Lewisham: Dedicated to providing specialist support to resettled refugee families in the borough, they are currently running online sessions of fun activities, find outmore and volunteer:
Lewisham Speaking Up: This independent charity for people with learning disabilities arestill operating remotely, calling service users to check in on their welfare or just for a friendly chat. They are also setting up online chats and their advocacy surgeries are still running:
Montage Theatre Arts: A performing arts charity that run classes, performances and events for adults and children of all ages, they are releasing regular workshops and tutorials via their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/MontageTheatre1/
Kali Theatre Company: Presenting ground breaking new theatre by female writers of South Asian descent, Kali have responded to the COVID-19 crisis with Kali SOLOS – a series of monologues performed and recorded in isolation:
https://kalitheatre.co.uk/introducing-kali-solos/
Theatre Centre: Usually bringing world-class theatre straight to the heart of schools, the Theatre Centre team are releasing weekly online writing tutorials exploring the fundamentals of developing characters; finding your voice and turning your ideas intostories; and the power of metaphor.
https://www.theatre-centre.co.uk/projects/online-writing-course/