In these unprecedented times we have made a number of decisions that we will continue to review in line with the latest Government advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). These decisions are made with a view to prioritising everyone’s health whilst acknowledging and believing deeply that art has a role to play in supporting life.
Early next month Fermynwoods Contemporary Art will launch our exciting new two-year programme, In Steps of Sundew.
We have delayed the printing of our brochures for this programme, so the eventual publication can be as accurate as possible, but we will shortly release it digitally with the content and dates within obviously subject to change.
We are doing this because releasing the brochure, and the work behind the programming within it, reflects our commitment to our plans and a hope for what will come.
All artists featured in our brochure deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated and will be paid. We must support one another and our sector.
Artists are problem solvers and this crisis is an opportunity to shine, to adapt and to help.
Our scheduled artists talks will still take place, online, until further notice. The first of these discussions will be a brand new talk recorded live with an artist and, appropriately, a health ecologist and former advisor to the Department of Health, European Commission and World Health Organisation.
Our partners Forestry England continue to maintain our woods and forests so the public can still benefit from improved health and wellbeing from being among the trees whilst taking sensible, personal precautions in line with the current guidance on social distancing and social isolation.
All recreation facilities in Fineshade Wood are now closed until further notice, including The Arches. Please carefully reconsider any plans you have to travel. While we follow this guidance vigilantly as it develops, at the time of writing the Government guidance is you must only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work.
Our partners at Rockingham Castle impressed that they have been there for over 950 years and we will get through this.
In the meantime:
- The call out for DIY: 2020 Proposals deadline has been extended.
- We have launched a new series of online workshops, Isolated Moments, to keep spirits buoyed and creativity alive.
- We will be bringing forward our open call for artists working in the medium of video for new works which will feature in this programme.
- We will soon be launching a podcast featuring content from our programme which we can all access safely.
- When schools return, we will be ready with some incredible activities.
Please continue to consult our website and follow our social media for updates. There is also a wealth of rich artistic content on this website and our YouTube channel.
For specific guidance for the arts sector a-n have compiled a helpful list at:
https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-guidance-for-artists-and-arts-organisers
With the latest guidance from Arts Council England at:
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19
Please always consult the latest advice from UK government on how to protect yourself:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Thank you all for your support.
Stay safe and remember that sometimes art equals endurance.