The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has awarded four residencies to artists working with folk material. They include choreographer Darren Ellis (pictured), who will work with musician Emily Askew on a project inspired by traditional Maypole, circle and ribbon dances.
The artists will receive a bursary, rehearsal and performance space at Cecil Sharp House and support and guidance as they research new projects. The other artists are writer and storyteller Rachel Rose Reid, composer Alison Rowley and songwriter Jack Harris.
Neil Pearson, artist development and programming manager at EFDSS, said: “We were delighted with the range of ideas that were submitted from all sectors and cultures. We have chosen four very different projects and artists and we are excited by their creative potential. EFDSS is strongly committed to helping artists with their individual development. We were keen for artists to develop work that has the potential to go on tour and reach a wider audience, to spread the message about the creative wealth of the folk arts.”
It is planned that the bursaries will become an annual award for artists. The residencies were open to professional artists across all sectors, including classical composers, contemporary dancers, poets, musicians and visual artists – not just those already working within the folk arts. Proposals were particularly sought from artists keen to work across genres, arts or cultures.
See www.efdss.org for details.
