Calling all Musicians!

Nithraid returns for 2014 - bigger and better than ever!

For those of you who made it down to the Whitesands last September, you may remember our fabulous scratch Samba band which paraded it's way around the town and down the river to welcome the boats.

This year, we welcome Ruth Morris and Gavin Marwick, who will be writing new music especially for Nithraid!

Would you like to be involved? We are looking for young people (16-25 ish) who would like to be part of a Balkan style street carnival band that will form the core of a procession group leading the town down to welcome the boats on the Whitesands.

We would particularly like some brass, woodwind, accordion and percussion players, but all instruments are welcome. Intermediate level and above, capable of learning a short piece of music, by ear or from music, and playing whilst walking.

Nithraid this year takes place on the 13th of September. There will be several rehearsal dates in the run up to Nithraid taking place in Dumfries at a venue to be confirmed.

Interested?? Send us a quick email to info@thestove.org with your contact details and we'll be in touch!

Opportunity: Public Art Residency

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY IN DUMFRIES

An opportunity for an artist (or artist team) to be supported for a of period of socially-engaged research within the context of the changing identity of the ‘Regional Capital of the South West’ – Dumfries. The selected artist will work alongside The Stove Network and take advantage of their resources locally, nationally and internationally. The outcomes of this commission will be presented as part of a major public art programme for Dumfries supported by Creative Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Holywood Trust.

The Stove Network is an emerging artist-led organisation based in Dumfries. The organisation is led by a Curatorial Team who in turn lead a diverse membership in excess of 100 people in projects that work creatively with local people in Dumfries and surrounding area to collectively build a new vision for the town.

A fee is offered of £8,000 (+ additional production budget for realising an outcome of the research period)

Deadline for submissions – 28^th July 2014

Full brief from ailsa@thestove.org

Dumfries is what we All Make Together - Charter14 Unveiled

If you’ve never been to Guid Nychburris before, it’s too late - you’ll have to wait until next year. The annual event, which celebrates the 1395 Royal Charter for the Burgh of Dumfries, has become a regular in The Stove calendar (previous exploits here and here).

Drawing inspiration from the 'original' Charter (an update from the earlier 1186 Charter), which is read out on Guid Nychburris Day, The Stove embarked on the ambitious task of writing a new ‘People’s Charter’ for the town, inviting input and inclusions from community groups, organisations and individuals living, working and inhabiting Dumfries. Where the original Charter granted land and fishing rights, Charter14 set out a declaration, of values for the future prosperity of Dumfries. “Dumfries is what we all make together.”

We were overwhelmed by the response to the idea with contributions coming in from all walks of life - all underlining the depth of felling that people have about Dumfries. The first draft of Charter14 was compiled with the help of local writer and lecturer Dave Borthwick from the contributions of the public and was unveiled in grand fashion, with the Dumfries Fountain as the centrepiece on Saturday with lots of help and the handy adage ‘Just Add Water’….

Thanks to Mike for all his work on the Fountain’s new structure!

The text on the banners around the fountain changed colour when they became wet....buckets were filled from the fountain and people were invited to hurl wet sponges at the banners to reveal their message.


Charter14 is not intended as a finished document. Like the original, revisited and amended – The Stove invited Doonhamers from across the town to add their mark; editing, adding and signing over 150 variations of the new charter over the course of the afternoon.

The 1395 Charter was venerably sealed with the town seal, also celebrated in the Guid Nychburris festivities, and Charter14 was no different, with it’s very own seal created by artist David Ralston.

The project prompted discourse late into the evening, around notions of authentication and validity, as each charter was signed by a unique signatory, ranging in age from 5 to 85, including everyone from local politicians, to the Queen (of the South)’s attendants, and passers by.

The Stove has been absolutely overwhelmed with the amazing response to #MakingDumfries and the Charter14, and would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the Charter, joined in on Saturday, helped facilitate the day and worked from our studio-in-exile in the run up to the event.

Dumfries is what we all Make Together.

Brave Enough to Take Risks and Surprise People.

To see more images of the day - have a look at our flickr set here
All Photo Credits: Colin Tennant.

The Grand Unveiling of a Charter in Process....your invitation

Revealed in the streets as only The Stove Network can

.......@ Guid Nychburris

'just add water'
12.30pm on Saturday 21^st June

The artists of The Stove Network have challenged the town to create a ‘peoples charter’ for the future of Dumfries.  The 1395 Royal Charter for the Burgh of Dumfries, is read out each year as part of Guid Nychburris (Good Neighbours) Festival – this year there will be an alternative version as well….

The Dumfries Charter 14 is made up of contributions from individuals and community groups and begins with the premise that people are responsible for making their place – and they do not need to ask anyone’s permission other than their fellow citizens.

Dumfries Charter 14 near the town fountain on the High Street immediately after the crowning of the Queen of the South at 12.30pm on Saturday 21^st June

You're invited to come and be part of it - see you there!

It is all too common for people to think that ‘someone else is in charge’ of what happens here – we hope this new people's Charter will inspire more people to believe that we all have a part to play in making Dumfries the best place for everyone to live, work and play

From enterprise and opportunity to diversity and bus srevices, ‘Dumfries is something that we all make together’ has sparked conversation and debate as suggestions towards a new charter have flown in. 
 

'We were delighted to be approached to contribute to the new charter. We exist to give a voice to people who do not always feel included and we feel very proud to be part of a charter which reflects local people’s commitment to increase understanding and promote equality'  Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association

 

Dumfries Charter 14 will be launched on the High Street on a series of giant canvas banners – the text on the banners requires the application of water to make it visible – Stove members will be inviting members of the public to assist them in ‘applying’ the water and revealing the Charter to the world.

Also people will be invited to edit, stamp, sign and seal their own personal version of the Charter to take away with them and members of The Stove team will be there to help and talk. Proceedings will also be helped along by the visit of a mystery guest from history who has already played a part in social movements in Scotland.

 Background - here

and on Stove Facebook - here 

This is The Stove Network's third year at Guid Nychburris:
2012 - Punkin' the Jubilee
2013 - Back2Back Dumfries 

Opportunity: A Temporary Installation in a River

A temporary public art commission forming a central feature for Nithraid 2014, a temporary public participation event developed by The Stove Network as part of TheStove@TheStove public art programme.

Nithraid

Nithraid is a challenging sailing race from Carsethorn on the estuary, up the River Nith to the very heart of Dumfries – a distance of about 10 miles.

The Nithraid, and all its constituent parts are about re-connecting people with the River and the spaces around it. Whilst waiting for the sailors to arrive at the finishing line, the audience lining the banks of the river (2,000 last year, hoping for over 5,000 this year) will be engaged in activities created by artists as part of the overall event which are likely to include:

* A marching band in procession

* A street market along the river

* Skateboarders and rollerbladers performing

The temporary river installation commission

We want to mark the race finishing point in the river with a dramatic feature, in place just for the day of the event, Saturday 13 September.

We have few preconceptions regarding the final form of the installation, so are hoping to be surprised and inspired! The installation could definitely (but by no means exclusively) use water as its main material.

Key Dates

* Submission date for spplications 4 July 2014

* Nithraid Event date 13 September 2014

£3,000, including fees, all materials and costs, VAT.

Application procedure

A detailed brief is available from info@thestove.org

Digital applications only, to be received by 4 July 2014

for images from the inaugural Nithraid staged by The Stove - see here

Opportunity: Public Art Research Residency

A Public Art Research Residency based in Dumfries with The Stove Network, with outcomes that are presented as part of the TheStove@TheStove public art programme (18 month duration)

The successful applicant will be expected to spend a significant amount of time in Dumfries. During this research period the artist will conduct both archival and broadly engaged research. The Stove can assist with meaningful connections to enable this process, however the artist is expected to show initiative and have an outward facing approach to their practice. 
We are open about the direction the research may take, an example of a stepping off point might include:- Dumfries Common Good 
The Stove Network is an emerging artist-led organisation based in Dumfries. The organisation is led by a Curatorial Team who in turn lead a diverse membership in excess of 100 people in projects that work creatively with local people in Dumfries and surrounding area to collectively build a new vision for the town.We do this through developing participative artwork projects in public spaces, delivering workshops and training opportunities, providing a hub for creative practice in our region and working in partnership with other local organisations.

Timescale: July 2014 – February 2015

Budget: £8,000 + additional production budget for Required Outcome 2 to be agreed

Full brief and info on application/selection – ailsa@thestove.org 
Deadline for Application: 14^th June


project supported by  

Opportunity: Public Communicator and Herald

PUBLIC COMMUNICATOR AND HERALD

for The Stove’s 2014/2015 art programme in Dumfries

The Stove Network is looking for an interpreter, a recorder, a herald, a bridger. Above all…. a communicator. 
This residency commission is to research and understand the dozen or so projects in public spaces that constitute The Stove’s creative programme from June 2014 to June 2015, then to interpret them for the people of Dumfries in ways that are engaging, informative and  creative. We are looking for tangible physical outcomes instead of or as well as digital ones.

You should have significant experience in at least one of the following: event production, socially engaged art in public, the written word… or something we have not thought of... surprise and inspire us (and Dumfries). You will also need to convince us of your experience and ability to interpret and communicate. 

The nature of the commission requires considerable time on location in Dumfries, and the successful artist will be required to attend specific project dates. Please be aware of this if intending to travel from a significant distance.

Timescale – July 2014 – September 2015
Fee - £6,500 (to include all expenses and VAT if applicable)
For full brief and details of application/selection process  - ailsa@thestove.org 
Deadline for application submission: 14^th June

project supported by 

Organisational manager and Projects Coordinator for The Stove

The Stove Network is an exciting artist-led organisation working on multi-artform projects in the public realm with our community in Dumfries. With the generous support of organisations including Creative Scotland, The Stove Network will deliver an 18 month programme of art in public that includes artist residencies, participative projects in public space, a capital programme including art commissions integrated into The Stove HQ and a ‘cultural economy’ project to establish The Stove Network as a sustainable social enterprise.  The artistic direction and project production of The Stove is led by the Curatorial Team, comprising 6 experienced artists working collaboratively. The CT decide and deliver the artistic vision, supported by a Board. The Stove Network has a general membership of 110 people ranging from contemporary artists to café-owners, to video artists and DJs. 

Everyone at The Stove Network is 100% committed to the collective vision. We are now looking for someone who will share our passion, and who has the energy and skills required to help deliver the vision. Although the initial appointment is for a six-month period, it is the intention for this to grow into a permanent position (subject to funding and performance) and the successful candidate will be required to contribute to developing and shaping the role in line with the growth of the organisation

There are two key fields of responsibility within this contract: management of the organisation at The Stove, and project co-ordination of The Stove artworks programme.  This appointment is on a self–employed, freelance basis: 3 days per week @ £125 per day for an initial period of 6 months (with a review at 3 months).  We are looking for someone with excellent organisational skills, and experience of project management and event management in an arts environment.

Please e-mail The Stove Network  for more information and a complete job description, and send CV and a covering letter outlining why you think you are the best person for this role to: info@thestove.org by 14th June.  Two stage interview process 26th June.

What the F K is an Emerging Artist

ARE YOU…

a recent Graduate, Final Year Student or Young Artist?

under 25 and based in Dumfries and Galloway?
interested in a career in the Arts?

The Stove is pleased to announce the first of a series of events during the course of our current arts programme TheStove@TheStove inviting emerging practitioners and students to meet with members of our team and wider network on a one-to-one basis. Our team collectively have years of professional practice both in the region and nationally, as both practising artists and as part of arts management teams. 

Topics covered during the day:

Presenting your Practice - CVs/Statements + Approaching Galleries
Applying for Grants and Commissions
Promotion and Social Media
Working as an Artist - Business and Budgeting
Plotting a Career Path through the Arts
+ Artist Talk by a Stove member

+ chance to meet other artists

For more information and booking get in touch at info@thestove.org
Deadline for last minute applications and enquiries: Get in touch with us before the 18th June 2014 please!

'Making Dumfries' - a new Charter

Members of The Stove Network are gearing up for Guid Nychburris again. We have been involved in the festivities for the last 2 years and are finding it a brilliant opportunity to work with and talk to people in Dumfries about the future of the town.

Back2Back - The Stove @ Guid Nychburris 2013

Recently we have been inspired by some of our researches into local movements of people working together to make the places that they live in better by thinking creatively and taking practical measures like pooling skills.

The 100 citizens who re-wrote the Irish Consitution (66 ordinary people, 33 politicians and 1 independent Chairperson)

Guid Nychburris celebrates the granting of a Royal Charter to the Burgh of Dumfries in 1395. We thought it would be interesting to speculate about the sort of Charter the people of Dumfries might grant themselves for the future prosperity of the town.

The earliest surviving copy of the Dumfries Burgh Charter was written down in 1580 - the original Charter being given in 1395

For absolute clarity…this idea of a popular Charter is NO way ‘official’ – it will have no formal status at all…it has not been ‘commissioned’ in any way. A group of local artists just thought this could be an interesting contribution to the conversation about the future of the town.

We plan to launch the Charter on Guid Nychburris Day (21^st June) – getting people to help us ‘unveil’ it in a typically Stoveish manner and offering people special memorial copies that they can also add to and edit as they choose.

Publishing 'stove style' at Nithraid 2013

We are getting in touch now to invite you to contribute to the new Charter – our idea is that the Charter should focus on people and what is important to quality of life… to paraphrase the US constitution ‘ Each Citizen covenants with the whole people and the whole people covenants with each Citizen that all shall respect certain principles for the common good’

beginning of the US 'Bill of Rights'

The Stove already has long standing partnerships with groups and individuals working in these areas – over the next couple of weeks we will be asking people to help us come up with a phrase (20 words max) for their particular area of interest that we can add to the new Charter.

We propose that the Charter begins with the statement that:

“Dumfries is what we make together.We promise each other that our making together will be shaped by these values, for the common good:”

Our idea is that this opening is followed by a series of statements about how the town regards the following:

·       Young People

·       Diversity

·       People with disabilities

·       Enterprise and opportunity

·       Culture and Creativity

·       Heritage

·       Environment

·       Belief

·       Education 

 Civic Society and Local Democracy

Health and Wellbeing 

This is also a completely open invitation to anyone with an interest in this project to take part….please either leave a comment at the bottom of this post, drop us an email at info@thestove.org or contact us through Facebook or Twitter.

Also let us know if you are interested to be involved in being part of the project team to bring all this to fruition for Guid Nuychburris Day and beyond

We are not intending crediting individual contributions on the Charter itself – but we would hope to list everyone involved as part of the project documentation. Please include with your contribution the way you would like to be credited or a confirmation that your contribution should be anonymous