The Nithraid kicks off with theme #1: America

We began our search for inspiration yesterday with a theme that relates to the River Nith's past as a busy waterway - carrying vessels along its route, to the Solway Coast and beyond.

The Nithraid, which forms part of the EAFS programme, will see intrepid sailors voyaging against the current of the river from Carsethorn to Dumfries on 21st September 2013.

Our theme: America - comes from the idea that the Nith connects Dumfries and its other calling points to the rest of the world. 

Via Facebook and Twitter, we asked people to give us their thoughts, feelings and random musings about America. 

Though we hoped for more interaction, we enjoyed some great contributions. On Twitter, Marcus' thoughts centered on America's political influence.

   

Meanwhile, on Facebook, Katie considered the size of America in comparison to Dumfries and Galloway.

And Lynette, in her search for relatives, underlined the transience and historical relevance of our first theme.

 
We're going to leave the 'America' theme open for a second day. With it being so broad and with The Nithraid initiative being so new, we hope for some more contributions throughout Tuesday.

We will launch our second theme on Wednesday morning. Keep an eye on our social media pages and help our momentum by getting involved!

Nithraid Trial Run

Photos from a daring duo's trial run

The Nithraid

From now till September, The Stove will be inviting people to contribute to an event that celebrates the River Nith’s importance - both historically and today. From its role as a trade route delivering economic lifeblood to Dumfries, to its significance as a conservation area, and to individuals and groups who find peace, tranquility and joy from its banks and passing moments.

Forming part of the Environmental Arts Festival Scotland, The Nithraid will culminate in a daring dinghy race from Carsethorn to the very centre of Dumfries on Saturday 21st September. As the equinox pushes the tide to its annual peak, intrepid sailors will tackle the river head-on, surfing (maybe literally) the incoming tide to reach the finishing line at the Caul in Dumfries, where the salt water and fresh water meet.

When the boats arrive in the town, they will be greeted by a sculptured cow cast in salt and The Stove’s huge fabric banners floating downstream from the Old Bridge, welcoming them to Dumfries with messages from the townspeople. We would like your help writing those messages.

We’ll be decorating banners at community events in August and September and will turn to our social media channels for inspiration too. As we gather words and phrases, we’ll start to build a wall of words. Then our bicycle-powered poetry machine will mix them up and stick them together to form messages for our banners.

The Stove’s community fun day takes place in Lochside on Sunday 18^th August and we hope to do a similar event in Dumfries town centre on Tuesday 10 September. The social media initiative will kick off in August. Keep your eyes peeled for #NithRaid on Twitter and Facebook.

Our River Nith; the passenger, the deliverer and the exporter. With untold tales from its length and breadth, and its historical depths. From its rise in the East Ayrshire hills to Ards point, 15 miles south of Dumfries, where it meets the Solway Firth and greets the wider world - connecting the town locally, nationally and globally.

Premonitions

Liechtenstein

Just finished 7 hour Curatorial meeting... 

Outcome... we're all moving to Liechtenstein!

Back 2 Back Debrief Underway

Pavement Invasion - Stop Motion Short of Back 2 Back Dumfries

Thanks to Oriel Marshall for the stop motion animation, documenting the pavement invasion that was last week's Back 2 Back Dumfries project for Guid Nychburris Day 2013. Music by the Luke Barlow Band - Tetherdown.

Back 2 Back Highlight now on flickr

To see our Back 2 Back highlights please click here

Game On!

Tarpaulin Challenge Part 1