Next Door But One Call for Local Artists in Need of Support to Engage in Their Creative Practice during COVID
Last week Next Door But One, a York-based theatre company with the aim of connecting the community to their creativity, launched their new artistic programme.
Supported through a grant awarded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and match funding from York Small Charities Fund administered by Two Ridings Community Foundation, Next Door But One are not only able to continue their work at this uncertain time, but build on the creative partnerships they have developed during lockdown.
“Between March-August of 2020 we were able to migrate 5 of our projects and productions online, provide paid employment for 10 performing arts professionals and engage with 500 audience members and participants digitally” says Artistic Director Matt Harper-Hardcastle.
“But alongside this, we had a number of local artists reaching out to us, as they were struggling to stay connected to their creative practice because of COVID restrictions, and needed some guidance during this difficult time for the arts. So we decided to do our bit in addressing this locally through our new programme.”
Next Door But One are now seeking 15 local performing arts professionals to engage in their latest project ‘Yorkshire Trios’. The project will provide micro-commissions and mentoring to 5 Writers, 5 Directors, and 5 Actors who have struggled to engage in their creative practice during COVID. Yorkshire Trios, will support these creatives to produce a series of 10 ten-minute performances that will be staged at The Gillygate pub in early 2021.
“As well as the opportunity to create theatre, all 15 performing arts professionals will be offered the opportunity to invest in their careers through our mentoring and professional development programme for 2021. We hope to promote a sense of belonging that many freelancers say they have lacked during COVID, by joining our growing ensemble.”
For creatives wishing to apply to Yorkshire Trios visit http://www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk/Yorkshire-Trios
The rest of Next Door But One’s 2021 programme will be made up of further developments of The Firework-Maker’s Daughter with children with learning disabilities, a series of Forum Theatre made with adults with learning disabilities, Playback Theatre Training for adults with mental health problems and a new production for York’s Dead Good Festival.
