The Committee for Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture is currently examining future directions for funding culture in Scotland. The Stove gave evidence to the committee on 16th September and this blog builds on the themes developed in our evidence and the evolving conversation about the role of culture and creativity in society as a whole – a conversation given extra focus and urgency in the context of Covid and Climate Change.
Culture & Wellbeing The Stove Network Evidence Session on Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee 16 September 2021
In periods of lockdown during the pandemic, creative practitioners filled many of the gaps created by the withdrawal of local authority services for people with additional support needs. In my own area, I have many, many stories of the extraordinary efforts of creative people during this time and of the positive impacts on clients and patients, some of whom experienced creative practice for the first time and have made progress that has astonished their carers. Similar stories are perhaps more widely known in education, with creative and cultural organisations and individuals providing physical and digital resources to support home-schooling.
Could the pandemic result in the widening of attitudes to education among parents/students and of outcomes for people with additional support needs and chronic health conditions?
These examples are part of a wider phenomenon through which myriad examples of arts practice embedded in communities came to the fore in Scotland, developed through local support networks during the pandemic. These can be added to the many community-led initiatives and social enterprises that have been started by a cultural project or the involvement of artists in local activism. The key connecting aspect of all these examples is the direct participation of people – people using creativity as a tool to change their own circumstances and/or the places around them, people being involved in shaping and making their own culture, rather than passively consuming culture that has been made for them.
Investing in Cultures The Stove Network Evidence Session on Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee 16 September 2021
Perhaps it is time to ask a fundamental question about the way we do culture in Scotland? Could we consciously support a culture of participation and popular ownership of culture as a key part of our national toolkit towards a just transition from both Covid and Climate Change?
It might be useful to look back at how we arrived at the current model we have inherited for the public support for culture. There are very interesting parallels with the pandemic in this regard. 80 years ago, another national crisis caused us to look anew at culture: during World War II people participating in and making their own culture was a vital factor in maintaining morale. This was recognised in the formation of the Council for Encouragement of Music and the Arts (CEMA) in 1940 which had two distinct strands of activity: one supported people to participate directly in the making of their own culture, whilst the other supported professional practitioners to create cultural work and events for the public. The participatory strand was very successful with projects such as the ‘Travelling Musicians’ programme which in 6 months started 244 amateur choirs and 37 new orchestral groups.
Despite this success, in 1946 CEMA was restructured as the Arts Council of Great Britain and support for participation in culture was discontinued with the first Chairman of the Arts Council declaring: ‘It is about the best not the most. The principle is we support professional artists. That’s our obligation. And our second obligation is to enable others to appreciate, understand and benefit from that’
Substantially, this is the way things have continued to the present day.* We, as a society, have come to understand culture as something that is professionally produced for others to enjoy.
It is a leap I know, but imagine how different life could have been in our communities and for our arts sector had we continued to support participation in the making of culture? Our way of thinking about learning, health, inclusion and empowerment in our communities might be very different. I’d like to propose that we use this moment of resetting with Covid to make a bold step as a country and to use culture as enabler and connector across multiple sectors in our society. Could we imagine something like a national Cultural Investment Programme supporting the mass participation in culture as a vital building block for a wellbeing society as part of an essential re-set after Covid?
It’s important to stress from the outset that this new approach to culture would be additional to the traditional support for the professional production of culture not instead of. In practice there would be expansive synergy between the two approaches to supporting culture in Scotland, with cross-fertilization in funding across organisations, projects and practices and opportunities for individuals to develop portfolio careers across different forms of practice.
Such a programme would be an integral part of our Covid/Climate transition and delivered through a partnership approach with Health, Education, Economic Regeneration and Community Development. It could be thought of as similar to the way in which Sport is supported – where one funding strand supports participation in sport (as part of wellbeing) and another funds elite sport…or like the distinct support paths for applied research and pure research in academia.
Developing this new strand of cultural support would start by bringing together existing experience and excellence in arts in education, health and community development (e.g. Arts in Education Recovery Group, Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland, Creative Scotland Place Dept, Culture Collective, Creative Communities) to work with the various other sectors and across budget strands such as the Place Based Investment Programme.
Future Vision for Culture The Stove Network Evidence Session on Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee 16 September 2021
Core elements of Scotland’s Cultural Investment Programme (SCIP) could include:
(NB ‘artists’ is used as a collective term to include: musicians, performers, dancers, visual artists, writers, designers, filmmakers, producers)
Education – artists in residence in schools, the Room 13 model, the Sistema model
Health and Wellbeing – social prescribing, artists in healthcare settings (eg ArtLink), wellbeing groups
Community Development – artists embedded in communities – supporting the growth of new initiatives and groups e.g. bringing unheard voices into community planning for longer term investment
Community-based Organisations – to become hubs supporting a population of local freelance artists (and associated creative disciplines) to work in the SCIP. Organisations also promote partnership working and develop new initiatives/projects. Many of these organisations will be community-based arts organisations, working across both strands of support for culture
National Network – to link and support community-based organisations and freelancers to share capacity, experience, skills and resources.
Skills and Training Programme – for artists and associated creative disciplines to work within SCIP settings and deliver ongoing professional development.
Action Research – as part of the roll-out of SCIP, with a remit to monitor progress, share best practice and identify effective synergies with existing cultural infrastructure.
Joined up working/funding across diverse sectors at national Government/Agency and Regional levels
We already have brilliant experience nationally of this kind of work across the board in education, health and communities, the principle of this vision would be to pool experience and resources across different fields and agendas to make a commitment, as a country, to a long-term, innovative and joined-up approach to building a wellbeing economy – using culture.
Chapter One – Image, Kirsten McEwan PhotographyOpen Hoose – Image, Colin Tennant
Artists and the diversity/sustainability of the cultural and creative workforce is central to the idea of such an investment programme. Artists would be employed on Fair Work principles to work as artists within the settings described, this is not ‘artists as social workers’ rather a commitment to genuine co-production with communities and regular local contracts will give new opportunities for artists to develop their own individual practices and grow new collaborations with other artists through the national network.
Local hubs, community participation, arts in education settings and fair work principles will also create the conditions for people from diverse backgrounds to enter the cultural and creative workforce and support all creative people with multiple opportunities to develop careers and creative practices.
Brave New Words – Image, Kirstin McEwan PhotographyCharter 14 – Image, Colin Tennant
Important initiatives such as Culture Collective and Creative Communities have already grown from the National Culture Strategy. The Culture Strategy makes an incredible opportunity for Scotland to use these as foundations around which we can attract people and practices and build a world-leading initiative that puts culture and the cultural workforce right at the heart of the effort to build a country based on wellbeing and climate justice.
*the Community Arts movement of the 1970s and 80s is one amongst few notable exceptions along with individual projects within the fields of health, education and community-based practice in recent years.
Opportunity for an Emerging Creative Producer to work in Stranraer
10 month full-time creative opportunity working on a national project with The Stove Network and Stranraer Development Trust
Extended Deadline – Midday 9th December 2021
This is an incredible opportunity for someone of any age but at an early stage of their creative career to work as part of a UK-wide project.
Dandelion is Scotland’s contribution to ‘Unboxed – Creativity in the UK’ and is an ambitious creative programme demonstrating the power of collective action in a unique ‘grow your own’ initiative for modern times.
This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position on a fixed term contract for 10 months from 1st January 22 to 31st October 22. The salary is £24,000 PA equating to £20,000 for the 10 month term of the contract.
Deadline for applications – Midday on Thursday 9th December
This role is designed for someone who is new to producing. The successful candidate will be mentored and supported by The Stove Network, Stranraer Development Trust and the Dandelion Network Coordinator.
Relevant on-the-job training will be provided and the successful candidate will be provided with the equipment they need (e.g. a laptop) to carry out their role, and we may be able to help with relocation costs.
If you are thinking about applying for the Emerging Creative Producer job in Stranraer and want to find out more, you can contact Matt Baker at The Stove Network by emailing: [email protected] or join Fiona Dalgetty, Futures Director and Jen White, Project Manager – Unexpected Gardens on Zoom between 1-2pm or 8-9pm on Wednesday 1st December.
If you would like to join one of these Zoom sessions, please email: [email protected]
Further Information about Dandelion
Dandelion is working with partner organisations around Scotland to create a series of ‘Unexpected Gardens’ one of these will be in Stranraer, where Dandelion will work in partnership with The Stove Network and Stranraer Development Trust.
Each Unexpected Garden will be planted in March 2022 and become a space for creative community events culminating in a unique Harvest Festival in September. Each Emerging Creative Producer will take a lead on designing and delivering the programme of activity for their Unexpected Garden. For the Stranraer project the Creative Producer will also be part of the team that designs and builds the Unexpected Garden.
The Stove and Dandelion are committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and, as such, we welcome applications from those who bring a difference to our team, we understand that each of us bring our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from those who are currently under-represented within the sector, including those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled candidates, LGBTQI++ and/or those from a low socio-economic background or requiring flexible working arrangements.
If you have specific accessibility needs in taking part in the application and/or delivery stages of the project please be assured that we will be supportive in discussing reasonable adjustments with you at any stage of the recruitment and selection process.
Open Hoose is a unique opportunity for anyone with a community-focused idea in Dumfries to use our cafe venue space alongside the resources of the Stove team to launch self-initiated projects and events through the support of the Stove’s experience, space, and production skills.
“Open Hoose is all about growing and nourishing new enterprises, projects, or events in the heart of the High Street.”
What is it?
Open Hoose is a funded* project all about giving good ideas a chance to grow. So whether it’s a regular jam night, a bread club, banner-making group or book club, we want to offer our space, our team and our support to help launch community-based and/or cultural activity in the town, housed within the Stove Cafe. Activity can be a one-off evening or a regular slot, it’s up to you!
Think of it as ‘testing’ an idea. So if you’re not quite sure of the details yet, or even how it will all work out, that’s okay! Come talk to us, it might just be what we’re looking for.
Who can apply and what we’re looking for
This opportunity is available to anyone with a community-focused idea.
We want to hear ideas that have the potential to grow. Even if you’re not sure. Sometimes the best projects can come from even a passing thought. You may even have a project already on the go but could do with that extra bit of support.
When?
Activity will take place between January – March 2022.
How ideas will be chosen
There are no exact hard and fast rules to the Open Hoose project, and we want to keep an open mind to new ideas that come through our door. As a community organisation, we believe no one should face barriers to participating in new experiences and creative activity.
With that in mind, we’re particularly interested in ideas that work with, for and about our diverse communities be them of interest, place, or identity.
We think of Open Hoose as a ‘testing ground’ for new ideas, from pop-ups to enterprises, new community groups or arts activity that may well eventually lead you to your next big thing.
Selections will be made against the following criteria:
The potential of the idea to grow and develop
Its potential to bring people together
Encourages people to try new things
Helps to grow the vibrancy of the town centre as a diverse, community-centred and lively place to live, learn and take part in activities
Whilst every idea will be considered, unfortunately not every project will be taken forward due to the resources, timescale and current funding available though we will ensure to provide detailed feedback in every enquiry.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from groups and individuals we haven’t yet had the chance to work with.
What the project cannot support:
Self – promotional and/or retail activity* (for eg: book launches, solo exhibitions, pop-up shops)
Private events
Corporate functions
Party Political Activity
Residency space* (for eg: private space for developing creative work)
All proposed activity should comply with the Stove’s values of inclusion, equality, and diversity.
Some examples of the type of activity the Stove has supported:
Drawing For Enjoyment
Doughlicious Bread Club
High Street Writers
Brave New Words
DoonGamers
What do you get out of it?
Dependent on needs, The Stove can offer free use of our cafe space in the evening, staffing, marketing support alongside technical and production assistance, decided on a case-by-case basis. We may be able to offer some financial contribution towards materials or other costs. We’re looking for ideas with the potential to grow, within or out-with the Stove Cafe.
Interested? Fill out the short enquiry form below!
We can’t quite believe it, bit it’s true! The Stove Network is 10 years old.
A decade ago, a bunch of like-minded folks got together with the spark of an idea that creativity could play a part the future of Dumfries town centre. This band of local creatives had shared, practical experience from working on projects that had helped bring vibrancy, confidence, and partnership working to other places around the country, they wanted to see what they could do for their hometown and ta’da, The Stove was born.
The key idea of The Stove was that its agenda should be driven by local people – first and foremost The Stove set out to be a place that was accessible to everyone, somewhere that listened and somewhere run by people who saw their role to facilitate and add value to the ideas people brought to The Stove.
This core belief of community, collaboration, and support, continues to this day. It is the people who have made The Stove what it is and allowed us to continue our mission – to help make Dumfries, and our region, a place where communities thrive and a place where everyone is supported to be involved creatively and take part in the celebration and making of our culture.
We’d like to thank everyone we’ve worked with, those who have supported, participated, challenged, and pushed us to create meaningful and memorable experiences, opportunities and pathways for learning, collaboration, expression, and development across the region and beyond.
“… to celebrate ten years of the Stove we’ll be sharing the stories of those who have come through our doors, sharing their favourite memories…”
We asked some of our members, partners, friends, and colleagues, to tell us what The Stove means to them, and what they’d like to see next:
Stove Member, Gary Hunter
Gary found the Stove a few years ago and has gently become part of the heartbeat of the place. You can usually find Gary in the café giving an optimistic and encouraging word to everyone, but also look out for him at Brave New Words – his guitar playing and singing will touch your spirit.
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
I became involved with The Stove through the cafe, the ‘downstairs’. By seeing different events advertised, organised by ‘upstairs’, I’ve attended figure drawing classes, contributed poetry for an exhibition and taken part in Brave New Words.
2. What is unique about the Stove?
What is special about The Stove, is the generosity. Despite the ups and downs of life, there is a spirit of kindness felt in the cafe exuded from the staff. What I see about ‘upstairs’ is the opportunity it is attempting to provide those wishing to express creativity. An extension of the generosity of the cafe. This is what makes The Stove unique, it is not driven by business enterprise but by creativity.
3. What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
My fondest memory of The Stove is from the cafe. A young woman came in for a coffee but didn’t have enough money to pay for it. She looked like she’d been sleeping rough and was about to leave, when the member of staff serving her reassured her and said the coffee was free. I’ll never forget her expression and gratitude as she left. Apparently, this is something done by other places, but I’ve only seen it done in The Stove.
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
I’m not beating my own drum here, but what I’m most proud of is the first time I performed at Brave New Words, a couple of years ago. It was nauseating, exciting and extremely terrifying but I managed to do it without any hiccups.
5. To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
I could say it is a bastion of opportunity, positivity and creativity, an expression of free thinking and identity, but I would say, The Stove is something you have to see for yourself.
6. What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
I would like to see more events organised for the over-thirties. It is right that an emphasis is placed on helping the younger generation and The Stove has done that, but in time they too will become the older generation, and will form, like the rest of us, the majority of the local community. I think The Stove should ‘level the playing field’ so to speak and extend the good work they’re doing for young people to include the rest of us.
7. What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
Growth. The Stove has proliferated from the time of its conception to become more than a hub for artistic folk. The Mid Steeple Quarter is a recent reflection of this and highlights The Stove’s investment in the local community.
8. If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
Positivity.
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
A tall, chilled glass of lemonade on a hot summer’s day.
10. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
Fun.
Director of LIFT D&G, Angie Gilmour
Angela is the ‘Queen of Lochside’ some years back she decided she had had enough of her area being cried a place of deprivation and formed Lochside is Families Together (LIFT) and the rest is history! She was employed by The Stove for three years as our Community Engagement Worker for the Creative Futures project in NW Dumfries and continues to work in partnership with The Stove – currently with our What We Do Now project.
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
I first got involved with the stove when I went for a job interview in 2017.
2. What is unique about the Stove?
The unique thing about the stove is how once you start getting to be involved it is like an extended family.
3. What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
My fondest memory, apart from doing events and seeing them all come together and thinking, “We did that!” are the friendships I have made through the stove, there is some awesome folk there.
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
I have been proud of every event and project we have done with The Stove as we’ve been able to give people opportunities that might not have been open to them before.
5. To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
The stove is a forward thinking, amazing place, that opens your mind to different cultures.
6. What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
Mini stoves pop up everywhere.
7. What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
I had no idea they did so much.
8. If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
Openness
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
Orange
10. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
Opportunities
Fan and Occasional Teammate, Steph Phillips
Steph is one of the stars of Brave New Words, a talented and fearless singer-songwriter, they always have the right song for the occasion! Of late, Steph has been doing shifts in the cafe and is very much part of the Stove family.
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
I first became involved with the Stove in 2017 after I moved to Dumfries for uni. I wasn’t sure if there was much going on in the town, but one evening I stumbled upon Brave New Words and it changed everything! After that I made an effort to attend Stove events and meet new folk, which helped build my confidence and get to know the town.
2. What is unique about the Stove?
There is nowhere quite like the Stove! It is unique in its welcoming community atmosphere and the range of creative opportunities it offers. The cafe is a lovely safe space for all, and in the evenings, it often turns into a venue for all kinds of wonderful events and workshops.
3. What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
My fondest memory of the Stove is from April 2019 when I attended my first Plaza event (at the Rowing Club). Although I knew a few Stove folk’s faces I hadn’t yet been brave enough to introduce myself properly. I went to the gig on my own and was awkwardly hovering near the back when Pam (who I recognised from the cafe team) approached and invited me to join her and a few others. It was a lovely venue with great live performances and getting to meet the lovely folk behind the event was an added bonus! After that I made more of an effort to be brave and introduce myself to the team, gradually getting to know them at different events (and at the pub!). All in all, it was the start of many new friendships which changed my perception of Dumfries and shaped who I am today.
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
The Stove has helped me to become a more confident individual and face my stage-fright by performing at a couple of BNW open mics. I still get scared and can’t always perform, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made since finding the Stove.
5. To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
To someone who has never heard of the Stove, I would describe it as a safe space for every individual from every background, which welcomes and encourages creativity and learning new skills.
6. What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
In the next 10 years I would like to see more of the same! The Stove has created a wonderful community which is working hard to improve the opportunities within Dumfries and develop the town centre into somewhere enjoyable for locals and visitors alike.
7. What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
I’m not sure what I would say the biggest change in the last 10 years has been. Perhaps the change in other people’s perceptions of the town, and what The Stove and other projects have to offer in the way of community development, has been the most noticeable.
8. If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
One word to describe the Stove – ‘collaboration’.
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
I see the Stove as a brightly coloured microphone, giving the town and its individuals a voice and a platform to express themselves.
10. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
I think of a warm smile and people I can rely on, as well as opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
Community Artist, Kirsty Turpie
Kirsty is just about the best advert you’ll ever meet for the power of art and creativity – a true community artist who brings positive energy to every situation. She has been part of just about everything you can do at The Stove… Blueprint 100, Creative Futures, Brave New Words, Nithraid… she has been at the heart of all of them at some time! She is currently working for DG Council in Youth Services.
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
In 2015 when I returned to living in the area, the Stove were involved in running the Environmental Arts Festival. I volunteered at the festival, met many of the stovies and heard about the exciting creative events that they were running. I then began attending events at the Stove regularly especially enjoying Tuesday night Blueprint 100 workshops (now Creative Spaces) and Reel to Real film nights. I was given the opportunity to exhibit a selection of drawings for the opening of the Stove Cafe and run a creative workshop at Blueprint 100 which gave me a great deal of encouragement with my creative practise.
2. What is unique about the Stove?
There is such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere at all the events and on a day-to-day basis in the cafe. They’re approach is holistic and organic to the needs of the community. They support and connect artists of all different ages and specialisms which has created an exciting and thriving creative community in the region and beyond.
3. What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
It’s very hard to choose one. I have so many wonderful memories of Brave New Words Open Mic Night as it has been where I’ve formed many friendships. It makes me so happy when I see a friend getting up and sharing music and poetry at Brave New Words and being supported and welcomed by the community. I’ve also loved attending and being part of Nithraid over the years as it provides a full day celebration of our town and its creative talent.
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
Working with the Creative Futures team for 2 and a half years and running many exciting community events and public art projects in Lochside and Lincluden.
5. To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
A community arts centre that has something for everyone.
6. What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
The Midsteeple Quarter buildings being used well and helping the creative scene in D&G to flourish even more.
7. What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
The growth of the stove team and number of spaces.
8. If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
Incredible
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
Gold
10. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
Belonging
John Wallace
John has worn the Stovie bunnet from the earliest days. It’s rare to see a photo of John as he is usually behind the camera and has made some of the finest Stove movies, including A House on The High Street that played such a formative role in starting Midsteeple Quarter. John styles himself an ‘Insider Artist’ and has built a national reputation as a video installation artists from his beloved Eaglesfield.
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
First Foot! Three months of art-planning mayhem culminating in two nights of art mayhem
on the High Street back in January 2012.
2. What is unique about the Stove?
Its general sense of purpose and industry around the idea of better places to live and be. It’s
not just art for art’s sake.
3. What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
Too many. And I’m still forming them – thanks for that The Stove!
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
Not into being proud of things, but it’s always a pleasure to see the public – new folk –
getting involved and getting a kick out of art-led projects around the town centre where it
all began. Plus, I love seeing the facade change the way it speaks to the street and the
people there – always a joy to play any part in that. It’s a great Stove tradition that continues
with all the superb signwriting.
5. To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
A nexus. A powerhouse.
6. What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
7. What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
Getting the building sorted out. Fifty years of retail knock-throughs and modernisations
hadn’t left a very practical space either for the number of people or the range of uses that
100 High Street now regularly supports.
8. If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
Hame.
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
Well, mine’s a cortado with one sugar if you’re anywhere near the café, ta.
10. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
Did I lock that door?
Alec Wallace
Alec is the son of John and Betty Wallace and has been an ever-present at Stovie events, always keeping us right and asking the best questions. How will D+G feel different to those who have grown up with The Stove we wonder?
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
The first time I was involved with the stove was the opening of the stove cafe.
2. What is unique about the Stove?
Anyone can become involved, and it is welcoming and engaging.
3. What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
My fondest memory of the Stove was Parking Space, at the NCP.
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
I have helped with lots of different projects, and enjoyed being part of a team, and so I am proud of all the projects I have helped work on.
5. To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
I would describe the stove as: A place and a community that do creative things together to make Dumfries a better place.
6. What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
To see it continue with a larger community.
7. What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
The fact that the people of Dumfries own big chunks of the high street.
8. If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
People.
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
A fried egg – sunny and nutritious
10. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
Cake
Linda Mallett
One of the founding members of The Stove, Linda has been at the forefront of just about every new development in the arts in the region for as long as anyone can remember… a true radical spirit and who is the local benchmark for integrity and commitment to her art.
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
When D&G Council said they were going to cut all funding for the arts, back around 2010(?) quite a few of us thought that was not a great idea and got together to discuss strategies. My memory of the particulars has faded, but somehow out of all that, a small group of us got together to discuss the idea of taking over a three-story shop building in the centre of Dumfries, as a base for arts and community projects.
2.What is unique about the Stove?
That it started out as a collective project of active, professional artists in the public arts field, working together in a non-hierarchical way to develop strategies, raise funding and initiate community projects. It has obviously become more structured (and better paid) over the years, but it still has the truly collective ethos.
3.What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
I think it has to be the early days and months of all working together to create something new that none of us could quite foresee, with very few resources and a lot of trust. Can I really say that unpaid all-day meetings fuelled by coffee & sandwiches, followed by winding down in the pub are fond memories? Well yes, they are!
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
So many… I’ll pick the first ever Nithraid event. This initially came from the idea of wanting to celebrate the River Nith and reclaim it as a true centre of Dumfries rather than just a carpark and bus-station that floods regularly. We put out an open call for anyone interested in discussing ideas for the project to come for a meeting. From that developed the idea of a boat race from the coast to the centre of Dumfries, to ‘reclaim’ it as the flourishing port and market it once was, and to commission various associated arts projects and events for the day. On the day – 21st September 2012 – I was rushing around from project to project, checking out all was going to plan, that the tide was rising as it should, that people were where they were supposed to be… At some point, crossing the Devorgilla Bridge, I paused, and looked out down the river. A couple of thousand people were lining the banks, waiting for the boats to arrive. Wow, I thought – they are all here because of us!
More generally, I am proud of how The Stove has provided opportunities and inspiration for younger artists to move to/back to Dumfries & Galloway and be part of a dynamic and innovative practice. To show that ‘new’ doesn’t just happen in cities.
And I am also proud of how we managed to work co-operatively with the local authorities to develop ideas that were new to all of us, recognising on both sides that we needed to look at new ways of bridging our previous divide.
5.To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
Rather lamely, I tend to cop out and give them a link to the website! And recommend the great café.
6.What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
A continuation of more projects moving outwards to cover a wider area than central Dumfries
7.What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
Probably the sideways move from the stage of largely unfunded collective responsibility from all for everything, to more specialised areas and accountabilities – “proper jobs”.
8.If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
Unique?
9.If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
A delicious pot-luck meal of Greek mezze or Spanish tapas. But Scottish.
10.What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
The difficulty of pinning down what the Stove is?
Chairman of the Board, Tony Fitzpatrick
Tony has been the Chair of our board now for 4 years, his has been a steady hand on the tiller whilst urging us on to push harder and further into uncharted territory. Tony has a past as the Director of Economic Development for DG Council and has a present as a rock and roller with local band Heart of Rust. Everyone at The Stove owes him the deepest debt of gratitude for his commitment and limitless enthusiasm… thank you Tony!
1. How did you first get involved with the Stove?
Basically, it was the café that drew me in initially. I was aware of the emerging artists collective through my work with the Council and involvement in the funding bid that purchased both the Stove and Oven buildings with Scottish Government grant.
2.What is unique about the Stove?
For me the unique thing was that it was the first project in Dumfries to link creative endeavour to community and economic development actions on the ground. Other projects had evolved in more rural settlements but The Stove had a much needed ‘urban cool’ feel to it….quite unique!
3.What’s your fondest memory of the Stove?
My first visit to the café and sitting for a spell and realising “….something different is happening here…is this Dumfries’s ‘Glad Café”? (a project in Glasgow that was now renowned for its creative programme as well as café).
4. What have you done with the Stove that you’re most proud of?
I took up a Board position several years ago and I have felt so proud to simply be part of the whole process, see the team evolve and develop and put Dumfries on the map locally, regionally and nationally. The Stove has achieved things that would take the usual agencies decades to achieve and built a support-base that the public sector always struggles to do. We have however had tremendous support from the key agencies, again due to the skills of the team.
5.To someone who’s never heard of the Stove, how do you describe it?
“An artist’s collective that is making the world a better place through positive activism, disruption and conversation”.
6.What would you like to see in the next 10 years?
A transformed town and region where people are empowered and creatively engaged through the Stove (and projects like it) and where our cultural, natural, and creative assets are recognised globally as our unique selling point.
7.What’s the biggest change that’s happened over the last 10 years from your point of view?
Projects like the Stove being recognised and respected for the innovation and drive they bring for doing things differently and making a real difference to the community. The Stove, to my mind, has brought that ‘cool’ factor that until now has really been the preserve of the city. Our young creatives are, as a consequence, returning or staying in small but significant numbers. Covid is causing many to view the ‘city lights’ as not quite the draw they were as new living , working, environmental, safety and quality of life factors come more to the fore. We have a job here….for life…and much to do!
8.If there’s one word that sums up the Stove to you, what is it?
‘Cool’
9. If the Stove were a drink/food/object or colour, what would it be?
It would be a small fleet of pastel and prime coloured Lambretta scooters with tartan seat covers parked outside a cool cafe waiting for Stovies to jump on and deliver work and joy to the town and beyond!
10.What’s the first thing you think of when you think of the Stove?
Smiling!….and Matt and his hat poised at a jaunty angle…!!
Joe McGurk
Writer, Joe McGurk tells us what attracted him to become a member of The Stove and what he hopes for the future:
November: New Beginnings & Fond Memories at 100 High Street
November’s here! For all its drizzly driecht, soggy leaves and howling breeze, it’s all go for a month of dance and exhibition, climate chats and birthday celebrations!
But first…you might have heard about COP26.
Yes, the glitterati of global politics will be arriving in Glasgow, in all their blue blazered, shooder-pads and pouting. Not to mention the news crews and protestors, police vans and placards, it all feels a little bit nerve-wracking. (Yes, just what we need from this year, another thing to worry about!).
So while the whole wide world tumbles on to George Square and Kelvingrove, we want to ask; what does all this mean for us down here?
A Doonhamer’s Guide to the End of the World
Creative Spaces are hosting a series of conversations, workshops and creative activities for people under 30 to share, collaborate and make their ideas heard in the big climate conversation. Working with Historic Environment Scotland the programme explores climate through story and myth, unearthing our local history to see what lessons can be learned from our past to guide the future we’ve yet to take.
Alongside this, Reel To Real, the Stove Cafe’s monthly film night, will be screening two films exploring climate, loss, distance and relocation, from Africa to Ireland. Our Reel To Real film nights include some scrumptious pre-movie scran courtesy of stew-maestro Marcus, from 5PM through till 6:30!
First beginning in June of 2019, Atlas Pandemica: Maps to a Kinder World is a compendium of 10 projects led by Dumfries & Galloway based creative people exploring different themes highlighted by life during the COVID pandemic, working directly with people in the region, it focussed on the impacts and learning from the community’s experience of the evolving pandemic.
The project is now drawing to a conclusion, aside from the many outputs each of the commissioned artists have shared, a collection of 10 maps, based on each of the project’s findings will be unveiled as part of ‘After the Pandemic’, Glasgow’s creative and cultural fringe at COP26. For more information on the project please visit www.atlaspandemica.org
Are ye dancin? We’re askin!
Join us on Saturday 6th November for an intimate evening of dance performance and conversation as DG Dance celebrate the end of their first season touring pop up dance across Dumfries and Galloway.
Martin McKeown, taken as part of Sanquhar Arts Festival.
The evening will include a performance of Matthew Hawkin’s Triple Echo, sharing excerpts from new screendance research with Emma Dove inspired by Emma Jayne Park’s touring performance And Now We Unravel, Again, and a performance of Louise Ahl’s newly premiered work heartbeats, fresh air, gestures, time.
This will be followed by an open conversation with lead artist Emma Jayne Park, and company dancers Claire Pencak, Jorja Follina and Malcolm Sutherland.
The following week, we’ll be showcasing the final UK screening of Penny Chivas’s ‘Burnt Out‘ this year, followed by an opportunity to discuss the work with the artist.
Brian Hartley
With original music by Paul Michael Henry, interwoven with the delicately detailed lighting design of David Bowes, this is an autobiographical dance-theatre work from the daughter of an environmental geochemist, bringing together fact and personal account. ‘Burnt Out’ is at once an intimate personal story and a universal meditation on our changing climate.
The Dumfries Fountain Project: Research & Studio Work
A pop-up exhibition at The Smithy, 113-115 High Street, hosted by artist Alex Allan. Allan has been working with the Dumfries Fountain Project coordinated by the Stove Network, exploring, and designing a proposal for a permanent piece of public art to be situated by the Dumfries Fountain to complement the historic landmark.
You are invited to consider the research gathered during their time in Dumfries, experiment and play with ideas and materials from the studio and contribute your own thoughts to the work. What would you like from a new piece of public art in the centre of the town? This is a unique chance to hear from the artist themselves and learn more about this timely and fascinating project. Come on in!
Dumfries Fountain Project: Film and Soundtrack Premiere
The Smithy, 113-115 High Street Saturday, 13 th November 5-7pm
Join us for a celebratory evening marking the conclusion of our two Holywood Trust commissioned artist projects, with a sharing of the short documentary film created by filmmaker Patrick Rooney, and film soundtrack by musician and composer Jenna Macrory.
After the screening we’ll be hearing from our two commissioned artists about their experiences with the project. Light refreshments provided. There is limited capacity available for the event so please sign up via Eventbrite to let us know if you would like to attend.
Can you believe we’re 10 years old? Seems like just yesterday, the Stove were chalk painting flagstones and launching a coo into the Nith (not an actual coo, don’t fret).
10 Year Celebrations
Join the Stove as we celebrate our 10th Birthday! We’ll be turning the Stove Cafe into a t-shirt printing factory where you can print your own 10th Anniversary t-shirt, and the cafe will be open with a special menu (yes, there will be cake!).
Our pals Dave Bass and the magnificent Dumfries Music Collective, fresh off the heels from their stellar 2021 conference are finally back to takeover the Stove Cafe with the U18 Acoustic Cafe. Featuring a line-up of fresh voices from the region, the afternoon is open to all to enjoy. More info coming soon!
Doughlicious
D’ough! Doughlicious are back in the building! Share ideas and recipes whilst breaking bread with like-minded folks. Featuring practical workshops exploring techniques and style, for those that kneed that extra bit of help and radical recipes for aficionados, from chapati to brioche!
Women Signwriters Assemble!
Dumfries Women’s Signwriting Squad are back again with the wee monthly meet-up. This session, open to beginners of all levels, will teach you the basics of signwriting. A popular event so sign up to guarantee your spot!
It’s not as gloom as it sounds, we promise. Dark Time is our yearly switch off, where we re-group as a team, drink too much coffee and chat all things Stove. From planning 2022, pouring over our members feedback (thanks by the way) and reflecting on a year unlike any other.
As we draw some breath from the run of festivals and projects, from wild geese to multiverses, we’re making time to ask some important questions. From who uses the Stove, to what we can offer our community and what themes might take us forward into the new year. We divide our conversations into three areas, which include:
Are you interested in Dark Time? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
This November, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Spaces presents: A Doonhamer’s Guide To The End of The World.
This series of events runs alongside COP26, the global climate conference that brings together climate experts from around the world. Hosted this year in Glasgow, COP26 will see decisions made that will change the path of the planet and humanity in the face of climate change.
On Thursday 4th November 7pm – 9pm, the team will be opening the series with a public discussion around climate change and the planet. If you’re under 30 and passionate about the environment, or are looking to learn more about climate change and COP, come along and help fuel the conversation.
The second event in the series, on Saturday 13th November 12pm – 3pm, is an afternoon of environmental talks at the historic Caerlaverock Castle. A bus will be leaving from The Stove at 12noon, so if you’re interested in attending this event, reserve a ticket here to confirm your place. You’ll be treated to an environmentally friendly (and delicious) lunch and refreshments when you book a ticket. Warm jackets and waterproof shoes are recommended!
Ever wondered what a zine is or how they are made? For the third event the Creative Spaces Team are running a zine making workshop in The Stove cafe on Thursday 18th November from 7pm – 9pm. Come along and learn how to make your own zines, or work on a contribution for the eco-zine the team are working on together. Zines are self-published and grown from a D.I.Y. making history – come along and let your creative energy flow for the evening!
For the last event in the series, Creative Spaces in collaboration with Dumfries Women’s Sign Writing Squad, are running a protest sign making workshop. Prepare to stand up for the planet in style. Join the team in The Stove on Thursday 25th November, 7pm – 9pm, they’ll bring the paints – you bring the passion.
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