R u r a l A r t s

This week ON Tour Project assistant fills us in on the launch of our Young Promoters Scheme in Redcar and Weaverthorpe.... THE NOVICE DETECTIVE BY SOPHIE WILLAN This week comedian and writer Sophie Willan, the winner of the 2012 Flying Solo Commission at Contact Manchester performed her hilarious show The Novice Detective as part of the Rural Arts leg of her tour. This was two performances in two very different locations, with the first show taking place in Redcar at Tuned in, then the following evening going to Weaverthorpe which ended The Novice Detective shows in our programme. Having never seen Novice Detective before, I can say it was by far one of the funniest shows I have seen. My personal highlight of the performances was the moment when audience members are asked to join Sophie on stage. She is great at on-stage banter with her newly appointed sidekick who warily steps out of the audience but ends up loving their new role, of being assistant to t

"From Hand to Market" is an arts project where the aim is mainly focused on engaging wives and partners of the Armed Forces in the creation of unique artwork made under the guidance of professional artists. This project has invited them to venture out of their isolated military houses and to integrate into the local community. The Military wives, based at Dishforth Airfield and Allanbrook barracks have been involved in a series of textile based craft workshops led by contemporary textile artist Dionne Swift, where they have learnt a range of techniques such as screen printing, fabric painting, batik and embroidery. Upon completion of each project, each unique design can be used as an accessory or furnishings to be used in the home. Professional artist, Dionne Swift studied Embroidery at Goldsmith’s College and after completing a master’s degree at the University of Central England, Dionne has progressed her career to lecture at