Creative Black Country - keep on keeping on during Covid-19
From the team at CBC we offer our solidarity to the sector and beyond, based on the unprecedented circumstances linked to Covid–19.
As a result of this, we have suspended all our face-to-face events until further notice. However, we will be working remotely/digitally and conjuring up creative ways of working with our local audiences and partners.
It is a difficult time for many and it is making us think about how we can support each other. It is incredibly important for us to stay connected and look at creative ways of doing just that.
We want to continue to look after our communities, artists, partners and our staff so we’ll be working remotely for now - but we will still be contactable and as visible as possible.
So how will we do this?
For all the artists and freelancers that we are currently working with we will honour existing contracts and are grateful to Arts Council England for their ongoing advice and guidance.
We are working towards moving our monthly meet-ups online so that you can join in whilst at home. We’ll be using the ZOOM platform to do this. All you’ll need is the link for each event which we’ll be posting across our social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook as well as on our EVENTS page.
We will also continue to share the work that our friends across our networks are producing. So you’ll see opportunities and projects from Black Country Touring, Multistory, CoLab Dudley and others shared.
Strategically we will also be working with our partners and Arts Council to signpost any further support and advice to the cultural sector.
We’re keeping an eye on what our peers are doing and will be pointing are followers in their direction. Already we know that there are online workshops being planned, creative conversations being convened and artistic interventions being plotted so they’ll be plenty of activities to watch and participate in. You can see our ever-evolving and growing list of resoucres here.
How we are supporting our creative communities…
Because we will now have to work in different ways we’re offering a newly modified strand of support via our Creative Communities work.
Inspired by the positive responses around the world from balcony singing in Italy to digital choir platforms and #lockdownkitchendisco, we are looking for creative responses to the social distancing challenge which bring fun, joy and creativity to local people in the Black Country, and keep people connected.
If you have an idea on how you can work with people digitally during this time of social distancing you can head to our CREATIVE COMMUNITIES page to find out more. There will be up to £2000 available for projects that can deliver ideas.
And also…
While we know that the current situation is very serious and we certainly do not want to make light of the situation (or of anyone’s ill health) we also understand the need for wellbeing during this difficult time. With that in mind, the CBC team will be posting their BOREDOM BUSTERS on the BLOG over the next few weeks.
Think of it as our digital box of delights that may take your down a rabbit hole of fun and hope our suggestions and ideas can make you smile, keep your spirits up and give you some new ideas on how to spend any extra time you may have in isolation or with others.
Stay healthy and well. Love team CBC.