COVER

INSIDE COVER

SAYHELLO

Cover Image: © Yannick DixonInside cover: © CJGriffiths Photography

TO LEFTCOAST

LeftCoast is a programme of arts and creative activity happening across Blackpool and Wyre. We’re all about creating amazing art on your doorstep.

From jaw-dropping spectacle to intimate experiences in your neighbourhood, we want to make art happen. In the process we hope to inspire and support creatives who live, work and study here. We want you to be part of the art transformation happening in your area. You might be an artist, parent, greengrocer or teacher – anyone in fact. You could help shape your neighbourhood through our community activities, get support to develop your skills, create new projects with our Future Popular commissions or become a volunteer in our LeftCoast Envoys programme – the possibilities are endless.

We can also let you know about the wealth of arts and cultural activity taking place across the Fylde Coast, from our nationally recognised arts organisations The Grundy Art Gallery and The Grand Theatre to independent festivals, artist studios and pop up galleries. Read on, explore and find out more – and don’t forget to sign up at www.leftcoast.org.uk LeftCoast has been brought together by a local partnership of organisations including Blackpool Coastal Housing, Blackpool Council, Wyre Council, Blackpool Grand Theatre and Merlin Entertainments. We’re funded by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme. Find out more about Creative People and Places at www.creativepeopleplaces.org.uk

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SHOWSTOPPERS

Eye-popping and jaw-dropping – these are the things you’ll remember forever.

Image: © Yannick Dixon

SHOWSTOPPERS

SPAREPARTS // SUNDAY 19 JULY, FLEETWOODLeftCoast and Wyre Council are once again working with the organisers of Fleetwood Festival of Transport to bring SpareParts to the ever popular ‘Tram Sunday’ on 19 July 2015.

Fusing transport and arts to create a fantastical family experience, free of charge, in and around Fleetwood, this is a day not to be missed.

The highlight of this year’s SpareParts arts programme is Extraordinary Bodies, an integrated circus company who created one of the Olympic opening shows. They will perform their new show Weighting outside Marine Hall – flying high above the audience.

The best of UK and international artists will descend on Fleetwood including festival favourites Curious Cargo with the hilarious Lollipop Patrol, artist Lowri Evans will be welcoming tram travellers with personalised greetings at Fisherman’s Walk tram stop and Fleetwood will be invaded by the Sauruses – dinosaurs all the way from the Netherlands. Not only that but you’ll be able to experience a new transport inspired soundscape and see the SpareParts Arts Parade from 3pm bringing its own brand of creative crazy to the streets of Fleetwood.

Sunday 19 July from 12-6pm at Marine Hall, Euston Gardens, the Esplanade and other locations in Fleetwood.

For more information visit www.fleetwoodfestivaloftransport.co.uk

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SHOWSTOPPERS

LIGHTPOOL // 7 SEPT TO 7 NOV, BLACKPOOLLeftCoast, Blackpool Illuminations and the Grundy Art Gallery have teamed up to help transform the illuminations through the Coastal Communities Fund and extend its reach into the town centre. The Lightpool project will see a whole host of new additions to the existing illuminations over the next few years – a bit like some shiny new pearls along a string!

For 2015 there will be… BLACKPOOL TOWER DIGITAL MAPPING // NIGHTLY 7 SEP – 7 NOV // FREE Two specially created projection mapping shows will create a whole new experience on the front of the iconic Blackpool Tower. Best viewed from the Comedy Carpet it will be FREE to watch and show nightly (after dark) from 7 September to 7 November.

BRILLIANCE // FRI 11, 18, 25 SEP // FREEA season of live performances transforming Birley Street into a stage for some of the best circus, music and fire artists to interact with the Brilliance sound and light structure. Taking place on Friday 11, 18 & 25 September withother dates soon to be announced.

GRUNDY LIGHT EXHIBITION: SENSORY SYSTEMS // 12 SEP – 7 NOV // FREESensory Systems is a major new group exhibition exploring how artists have been fascinated by how science and the properties of light affect our sensory experience. This exhibition will form part of an ambitious new strand of international programming to coincide with Blackpool’s annual Illuminations.

LUMIVEHICLES Look out for the artist created illuminated vehicles around the Comedy Carpet opposite The Blackpool Tower throughout the illuminations season. They will be staffed by friendly Illuminations ambassadors ready to direct you to what is going on and maybe even give you a free goody bag.

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7*Intercom, 1,856 white LED lights, 928 independent sound channels, 16 speakers, custom-made hardware and software, Courtesy of Carroll / Fletcher and the artist

SHOWSTOPPERS

BANQUET // 23 & 24 OCT, WINTER GARDENS Celebrate all things food and the sense of community it can bring with LeftCoast and They Eat Culture in the beautiful Pavilion Theatre inside Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. WALK, TALK, EAT WITH ME // FRI 23 OCT // £6Join theatre company Unfinished Business for a specially created performance made in collaboration with young people from Streetlife, a charity for homeless young people. The performance will end with a tasty meal created by and shared with the audience. Bring ONE salad ingredient to add to the mix! Unfinished Business have teamed up with Streetlife, who support young homeless people in Blackpool to create a bespoke performance, especially for Banquet.

DISHING THE DIRT // 12-2PM SAT 24 OCT // £8.50Environment artist Kerry Morrison and FoodRiot chef Gill Watson bring you a performance meal to make you really questions where your food comes from. Get ready for a sensory exploration with a delicious meal of culinary surprises – but, expect the unexpected as you experience this unforgettable banquet. HOMESTEAD @ WINTER GARDENS // 3-5PM SAT 24 OCT // FREEThe residents of Grange Park and Squash Nutrition have spent the summer exploring ideas about community shops, kitchens and small holdings. Join them for a special meal where they’ll share the fruits of the harvest with a farm kitchen menu of seasonal tastes.

FOOD HALL HORSESHOE // 11AM-5PM SAT 24 OCT // FREEStep inside and explore the world of food as created by artists working with communities from Blackpool and Wyre. Experience the finale of these projects, find information stalls and hear foodie talks all within the Food Hall Horseshoe.BOOKING: To book your place at Walk, Talk, Eat With Me, Dishing the Dirt or Squash Nutrition & Grange Park Residents meal visit www.leftcoast.org.uk or call 01253 477973.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Banquet Table by Michael Powell // The People’s Pottery by Emilie Taylor & Victoria Dawes // Bread and Butter Stitches by Harriet Riddel // Wyre Salters by Maya Chowdhry and Jessica Mautner // The Lost Orchards of the LeftCoast by Philip Parr // Wabi-Char by Caroline Jupp.

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SHOWSTOPPERS

LEFTCOAST PERFORMS // £6 PER SHOW OR 4 TICKETS FOR £20 To celebrate the launch of the Grand’s new studio theatre, LeftCoast is developing a new strand of pop up performance work across Blackpool and Wyre. If you think theatre isn’t for you, why not come along and try something new? If you’d like to get involved in helping shape the programme of performance work, get in touch and help us select which companies you’d like to see in your neighbourhood. We’re also launching Producer Tuesdays from October where independent producers interested in making new work can pop along. For more information or to book tickets visit www.leftcoast.org.uk, email info@leftcoast.org.uk or call 01253 477973.

BRITANNIA WAVES THE RULES BY GARETH FARR // MON 5 OCT 7PM // BLACKPOOL & THE FYLDE COLLEGE UNIVERSITY CENTRECarl Jackson, a Blackpool lad, doesn’t fit in at home. When he joins the army, he sees it as a chance to escape the grim reality of life. But it doesn’t matter where he runs to, or how hard or how fast – there are too many battles for him to win them all. And when Carl comes home, it’s not as a hero but a changed man. Fast, furious and filled with rage, this play is a scream of protest at the state of the world.

‘A THRILLING ONSLAUGHT OF EXPLOSIVE ELOQUENCE The Times Contains strong language and violence. Suitable for audiences aged 14+.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS @ BANQUET // FRI 23 OCT // WINTER GARDENSJoin young people in Blackpool with expe-rience of homelessness as they invite you to see the city through their eyes. Sharing stories, experiences and most importantly food, this unique event includes a personal tour of the city, intimate interactive perfor-mance and a shared meal, created by you, the audience. Bring one salad ingredient to add to the mix.

Unfinished Business theatre company have teamed up with Streetlife, who support young homeless people in Blackpool to create a bespoke performance, especially for Banquet.

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SHOWSTOPPERS

LAU // TUE 24 NOV AT 7.30PM // MARINE HALL // £16LeftCoast and Marine Hall are working in partnership with Music Net to bring world class music to Fleetwood. The first in this series of performances is the critically acclaimed Lau.

“The UK’s best live band” The Guardian

Expect a show-stopping night as Marine Hall hosts what could easily be the most thrilling concert of the year. Crowned Best Folk Group at the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards an incredible four times, Lau are widely regarded as one of the UK’s most inventive bands whose dazzling perfor-mances have captivated audiences across the world.

Now touring on the back of acclaimed new album The Bell That Never Rang, enjoy a memorable evening of immensely powerful and beautiful songs performed by this much-loved and critically lauded band. “Truly magnificent’ The Scotsman

A Music Net Tour. Presented by Band on the Wall & Root Music

For more information or to book tickets visit www.wyretheatres.co.uk

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Image: © CJGriffiths Photography

IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Intimate experiences that bring art direct to where you live.

Image: © Jack Boniface

IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

HOMESTEAD ON THE GRANGE // SUMMER, GRANGE PARKBack by popular demand, Squash Nutrition will be delivering a new programme of activity - Homestead on the Grange - on Grange Park throughout the Summer. Inspired by urban farms and sustainable living, Squash will work with the residents of Grange Park to create a pop up food shop and kitchen.Inspiring residents to engage with the food they eat, try new things and connect with their environment; Homestead on the Grange will take residents on a food journey. From growing and harvesting crops to cooking delicious foods for their community, residents will learn a range of new skills and have lots of fun doing it. MEET SQUASH AND THE POD // 23 JUL FROM 10AMCome along and meet Squash Nutrition

to find out what they have in store for you during the summer. POP-UP SHOP AND CANTEEN // 30 JUL & 6 AUG FROM 10AMWhat would you like to see in a local shop run by residents? The Pod-Store will make its way around Grange Park estate and will be stocked with delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. In return for sharing your views on food, shopping and ingredients, visitors to the shop will win foods and recipes to take away and try at home. The Canteen will provide hands on cooking sessions using the Pod Store’s key ingredients. Squash food artists will demonstrate great ways to use simple ingredients to make delicious dishes.

POP UP URBAN FARM // 13 AUG FROM 10AMCome along and enjoy hands on farm food activities. Farmers, crafters and food artists will explore urban food initiatives with the community. Residents can learn how to get back to basics, grinding wheat, churning butter and spinning wool. The Pod will act as a food growing station where visitors can make ‘Grow Your Own’ food kits to take home.All activities are FREE and will roam around Grange Park on the day. For more information, please contact Sophie Fuce, Project Manager, on 01253 477971 or email sophie.fuce@leftcoast.org.uk

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IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

MERESIDE AT PLAY // SUMMER, MERESIDEDuring 2014 a dedicated team of Mereside residents and local agencies have been coming together every month to talk about how they’d like to develop green spaces in the area. The Mereside Green Spaces Group and LeftCoast are now working with Better Start and Community Voice to develop play spaces around Mereside for 0-5 year olds and their families. We’ll be inviting artists along to help shape the green spaces on the estate and make them into more playful areas that all ages can enjoy.

PROGRAMME LAUNCH WITH JIM BOND // 31 JUL & 1 AUG 11AM-4PM // MERESIDE CHILDREN’S CENTREJim Bond will be helping local children and families to create a wooden story telling shelter over two days which will be permanently sited at Mereside Children’s Centre garden. Learn how to use tools and create something amazing together.

FOREST SCHOOL & DEN MAKING // 14 & 15 AUG 11AM-4PM // BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, BOWNESS AVENUETwo days of playing outdoors – learn how to make dens in the trees and bushes and make safe campfires with qualified instructors.

MERESIDE GREEN SPACES GROUPThe Mereside Green Spaces Group meets once a month and helps to shape the activities taking place on the estate. If you want to be part of the group and help to shape arts in your neighbourhood contact Kerenza McClarnan, Creative Engagement Manager, on 01253 477971 or email kerenza.mcclarnan@leftcoast.org.uk

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IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

THE MOUNT PAVILION // FLEETWOODThe iconic Mount Pavilion has played host to an amazing array of artist resi-dencies and family workshops over the last twelve months. Now a new ‘Shape the Space’ group has been created with local residents and agencies to help decide what takes place at The Mount.

PIRATE SHIP WITH SARAH HICKS // 4-6 AUG 1-4PM // FREEJoin artist Sarah Hicks for a three day workshop to construct a giant Pirate Ship out of cardboard and found materials.

ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCES // 4-7 SEPThe New Fylde Folk and Roots Festival bring a series of acoustic performances to the Mount Pavilion from the 4-7 September. For more information visit www.fyldefolknroots.org

FLEETWOOD FILM CLUB // COMING SOONFleetwood Film Club is a brand new group dedicated to experimenting with pop up cinema screenings in The Mount Pavilion. The group is set to start soon so subscribe to the LeftCoast newsletter at www.leftcoast.org.uk to find out more.

SHAPE THE SPACE //You can be part of deciding what takes place at The Mount Pavilion by joining the Shape the Space group.

For more information contact Kerenza McClarnan on 01253 477971 or email kerenza.mcclarnan@leftcoast.org.uk USE THE SPACE //If you are interested in using the Mount Pavilion for an activity contact Lyndsey Guest by email to themountfleetwood@outlook.com

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IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMISSIONS // VARIOUS LOCATIONSNeighbourhood commissions give communities the chance to work alongside LeftCoast to develop a project and to work with an artist directly in their community spaces.

Over the next year LeftCoast is developing three Neighbourhood Commissions with the Friends of Rossall Beach, Claremont Park Community Centre and the Friends of Highfield Road Park.

ROSSALL BEACH //LeftCoast have been working with the Friends of Rossall Beach to find out what arts projects interest them the most. Through this process they have been shaping an artist brief that reflects the

uniqueness of the environment and their community.

Over the coming months and working closely with LeftCoast Producer Laura Jamieson the group will interview and select an artist who will deliver their commission in spring 2016.

CLAREMONT PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE & FRIENDS OF HIGHFIELD ROAD PARK //LeftCoast are set to work with Claremont Park Community Centre and the Friends of Highfield Park, over the next few months to go on Go Sees, learn about a broad range of artist approaches and develop an understanding of what they might like to see in their spaces.

If you would like more information about how to develop an artist commission for you area then contact Kerenza McClarnan, Creative Engagement Manager, on 01253 477971 or kerenza.mcclarnan@leftcoast.org.uk

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LeftCoast and Wyre Council are once again working with the organisers of Fleetwood Festival of Transport to bring SpareParts to the ever popular ‘Tram Sunday’ on 19 July 2015.

Fusing transport and arts to create a fantastical family experience free of charge in and around Fleetwood, this is a day not to be missed.

The highlight of this year’s SpareParts arts programme is Extraordinary Bodies, an integrated circus company who created one of the Olympic opening shows. They will perform their new show Weighting outside Marine Hall – flying high above the audience. The best of UK and international artists will descend on Fleetwood including festival favourites Curious Cargo with the hilarious Lollipop Patrol, artist Lowri Evans will be welcoming tram travellers with personalised greetings at Fisherman’s Walk tram stop and Fleetwood will be invaded by the Sauruses – dinosaurs all the way from the Netherlands. Not only that but you’ll be able to experience a new soundscape on Fleetwood Ferry and see the SpareParts Arts Parade from 3pm bringing its own

brand of creative crazy to the streets of Fleetwood.

Sunday 19 July from 12-6pm at Marine Hall, Euston Gardens and the Esplanade (Fleetwood).

LeftCoast, Blackpool Illuminations and the Grundy Art Gallery have teamed up to create the biggest transformation of the show in the last 50 years through the Coastal Communities Fund and extend its reach into the town centre. The LightPools project will see a whole host of new additions to the existing illuminations of the next few years – a bit like some shiny new pearls along a string!

For 2015 there will be… BLACKPOOL TOWER DIGITAL MAPPING // NIGHTLY 7 SEP – 7 NOV // FREE Two specially created projection mapping shows will create a whole new experience on the front of the iconic Blackpool Tower. Best viewed from the Comedy Carpet it will be FREE to watch and show nightly (after dark) from 7 September to 7 November.

PLACES FOR ART

Developing new places to discover art across Blackpool and Wyre.

Image: © CJGriffiths Photography

PLACES FOR ART

ABINGDON STUDIOS // ABINGDON STREET, BLACKPOOLAbingdon Studios is a brand new space in the heart of Blackpool town centre located above Abingdon Street Market. Designed as a place where artists can produce new work while drawing on Blackpool’s rich and unique cultural landscape. It is a supportive environment which encourages risk taking and the creation of new ideas. The space houses five Blackpool based artists as well as providing a residency studio and project space for studio artists, residency artists and external artists looking for a place to show, discuss and produce new work.

Abingdon Studios has been created in partnership with Blackpool Council’s Economic Development Division and Arts Service and the Grundy Art Gallery. The studios also work closely with Blackpool & The Fylde College’s School of Creative Arts to offer a shared studio space for graduate artists, as part of a professional development programme to support young and emerging artists.

For more information about Abingdon Studios contact Garth Gratrix, Places for Art Project Manager, on 01253 477971 or email garth.gratrix@leftcoast.org.uk You can also visit Abingdon Studios website at www.abingdonstudios.org.uk, find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/abingdonstudios or follow on Twitter @abingdonstudios.

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PLACES FOR ART

THE STUDIO GRAND THEATRE // CHURCH STREET, BLACKPOOLLeftCoast is supporting a new programme of innovative performance at The Grand Theatre in its newly refurbished studio. Here are some highlights from the opening season THE KNOTTED PROJECT PRESENTS LONELY HEARTS //This fast-paced and witty show follows the story of Callum and Anna, struggling to find ‘The One’. They each have an awful track record with dates, until they discover the world of online dating. Numerous characters are played by just two performers. 7pm Friday 25 and 2pm Saturday 26 September

STAN’S CAFÉ PRESENTS A TRANSLATION OF SHADOWS // The benshi were live narrators of Japanese silent films, and now the benshi is back to narrate the Stan’s Cafe movie, Shadows! Witty, poetic and subversive, join him for his commentary on the lives of the movie’s cast. In love with the film’s star, he believes he has the chance to make her love him back...or does he? 7pm Friday 2 October

DNA PUPPETRY AND VISUAL THEATRE PRESENTS CHICKEN LICKEN // A baby chick is born and thinks the sky is falling down. On the way to tell the King, she meets Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky & Turkey Lurkey, but there’s a shocking surprise! Mixed into this recipe of food, puppets and music is the story of Little Red Hen and sly Foxy Loxy. 11am and 2pm Saturday 24 12pm and 3pm Sunday 25 October

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PLACES FOR ART

WYRE RESIDENCIES & ARTIST NETWORK // VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WYRE

WYRE RESIDENCIES //Wyre Council and LeftCoast are offering five Wyre based contemporary artists the opportunity to take up residency in some of the areas’ most iconic locations.

The residencies will be an opportunity for the artists to work in non-art spaces and to engage with the community to help shape the work that is produced. There is also a focus on people and places; finding the stories of the everyday and revealing something about the lives of people in Wyre.

Following the residencies the five artists will put on an exhibition to showcase the work produced. To find out if there is a residency coming to your neighbourhood visit www.leftcoast.org.uk

WYRE ARTIST NETWORK //A new Wyre Artist Network is also being established to help share experiences, ideas and resources. The network will be a place where Wyre based artists can come together to work more collaboratively and give a collective voice. For more information about the network and how to join visit www.leftcoast.org.uk or contact samara.stott@wyre.gov.uk

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PLACES FOR ART

SAVE OUR STORIES // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Save Our Stories (S.O.S) is a new storytelling and creative writing adventure for Blackpool and Wyre. Inspired by Dave Eggers’ internationally successful story centre in San Francisco, the aim is to create an amazing and magical space for immersive storytelling and creative writing for children, young people, their families, carers and teachers. S.O.S will not be confined to four walls, it is a storytelling experience that can visit schools, libraries, public spaces, children’s centres, fairs, galas and events. The project will have the S.O.S craft, a magical rescue and artist designed transporter that will bring the wonder of stories out and about across

the Fylde Coast and beyond. S.O.S’s patron is Joe Delaney, Lancashire based bestselling author of the “Spooks” books, published in 24 countries.

For more information about Save Our Stories or to find out how you can help contact artsdevelopment@blackpool.gov.uk

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BRILLIANCE // FRI 11, 18, 25 SEP // FREEA season of live performances transforming Birley Street into a stage for some of the best circus, music and fire artists to interact with the Brilliance sound and light structure. Taking place on Friday 11, 18 & 25 September withother dates soon to be announced.

INSPIRE AND SUPPORT

Inspiring and supporting people from across Blackpool and Wyre to take their next step in the creative careers.

Image: © CJGriffiths Photography

INSPIRE AND SUPPORT

GO SEE THIS // BLACKPOOL & WYRELeftCoast invites you, the residents of Blackpool and Wyre, to broaden your horizons and expand your minds with visits to events, venues and performances of national significance.

Current ‘Go Sees’ include a visit to Slung Low Theatre’s Camelot in Sheffield, a trip to Turner Prize nominated Granby Four Streets project in Liverpool and to the fantastic Lumiere Festival of Light in Durham.

Entry and travel tickets are provided by LeftCoast, all you have to do is tell us why you think you will benefit from it, how it might work in Blackpool or Wyre and what you thought of your experience.

For more information to pitch a trip contact Kerenza McClarnan on 01253 477971 or email kerenza.mcclarnan@leftcoast.org.uk

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INSPIRE AND SUPPORT

GOLDEN SECTION // VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND DATESGolden Section is LeftCoast’s monthly creative conversation where we invite a visiting artist, creative or generally extraordinary person to town to give you the chance to hear about how they got where they are today. This season’s programme is one of our best yet, from a radical artist who ran against Michael Gove in the last election, a to Turner Prize nominated architect firm Assemble and one of the UK’s emerging youth dance choreographers. The Golden Section will take place at both the Grundy Art Gallery and FYC. Check individual listings for venue details or visit www.leftcoast.org.uk

BOB & ROBERTA SMITH // A contemporary artist, writer, musician and art education advocate known for his slogan art. SEP DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

ASSEMBLE // Current Turner prize nominated architect practice bringing people into the process of creating places. 6 OCT

JOSS ARNOTT // One of the UK’s emerging dance choreographers with a specialism in youth dance. 17 NOV

NILS NORMAN // An artist who works across the disciplines of public art, architecture and urban planning.1 DEC

Golden Section operates “a pay what you can” donation policy.

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INSPIRE AND SUPPORT

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT // Hone your passion and develop new skills with LeftCoast’s extensive professional development training package. Specifically aimed at artists, organisations and practitioners in the early stages of their career - seasoned arts professionals with a wealth of experience and expertise will share their insider knowledge, tips and tricks. From working as a freelancer to managing a project, LeftCoast’s professional development training is a comprehensive guide to a successful career in the arts.

17 Jul – Navigating the Art World – Lucy Day (in partnership with a-n)

20 Jul – Making Your Practice Accessible to Disabled Audiences – Extraordinary Bodies

30 Jul – Managing a Project – Frances Lord (in partnership with a-n)

29 September – Managing Finance, Budgets and T&Cs – Kirsty Youde

12 Oct – Trusts and Foundations – Ayla Suveren

21 Oct – Finding and Getting Work – Michael Trainor

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23 Oct – Monitoring and Evaluation – John Patterson and Scott Butterfield

For more information or to book your FREE place visit www.leftcoast.org.uk or call the team on 01253 477973.

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INSPIRE AND SUPPORT

EXPRESS // LeftCoast Express is a unique opportunity offered to artists and cultural leaders in Blackpool and Wyre to provide space and time for professional and personal development. The programme is self-directed which means you get to choose what you think will be most useful. With the support and guidance of the LeftCoast team you can go and see new work, meet inno-vators in your area or interest and get inspiration to develop your own ideas and practice over a six month period.

We offer a bursary of £1,500 which pays for your travel, accommodation and entry tickets. The bursary is not able to be used to pay for your time, that is your contribution.

TRANS-EURO EXPRESSNew for 2015 we are now offering the Trans-Euro Express bursary. This gives you the chance to go and see work or meet an organisation in Europe. This opportunity is designed to help you see how things are done differently abroad and to bring that learning back home to the Fylde coast.

FUTURE POPULAR // Future Popular is LeftCoast’s small commissioning programme which encourages artists and communities from Blackpool and Wyre to come forward with a project they have always wanted to do.

Future Popular offers commissions of up to £5,000 for a project that runs over six months. We want to see strong ideas of high artistic quality, creative ways of engaging audiences and members of the community and the ability to manage and plan a project on time and to budget.

KEY DATES: Applications for Round 4 of LeftCoast Express and Future Popular will open on Monday 7 September 2015.

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GRUNDY LIGHT EXHIBITION: SENSORY SYSTEMS // 12 SEP – 7 NOV // FREESensory Systems is a major new group exhibition exploring how artists have been fascinated by how science and the properties of light affect our sensory experience. This exhibition will form part of an ambitious new strand of international programming to coincide with Blackpool’s annual Illuminations.

LUMIVEHICLES Look out for the artist created illuminated vehicles around the Comedy Carpet opposite The Blackpool Tower throughout the illuminations season. They will be staffed by friendly Illuminations ambassadors ready to direct you to what is going on and maybe even give you a free goody bag.

COMING AT YOU

We’re just so excited about these projects coming to Blackpool and Wyre in 2016 that we couldn’t keep them to ourselves – here’s a sneak peek.

Image: ©Akoreacro

COMING AT YOU

SHOWZAM! // 13 – 20 FEB 2016, BLACKPOOLHot on the heels of Showzam! 2015 which saw sell out audiences at The Blackpool Tower Circus for Circolombia’s death defying performance, LeftCoast and SeaChange are excited to announce the very best in French circus is coming to town. As usual you’ll be treated to a host of FREE performances at Showzam! Central in Blackpool Winter Gardens and the Carnival Ball in the stunning Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.showzam.co.uk

KLAXON BY AKOREACRO // 13-20 FEB // THE BLACKPOOL TOWER CIRCUS ARENAAkoreacro will be making their UK premier right here in Blackpool with a stupendous blend of high circus skills and music during February half term.

Funny, wacky and spectacular their show made up of five musicians and six circus performers will delight and excite you in the ring. Don’t miss your chance to see this show which is currently selling out across Europe.

2.30PM TICKETS: £14 ADULTS, £12 CHILDREN – EARLY BIRD £10 ADULTS, £8 CHILDREN AVAILABLE UNTIL 31 OCT 2015.

SHOWZAM! CARNIVAL BALL // 13 FEB // THE BLACKPOOL TOWER BALLROOMThe ever popular Showzam! Carnival Ball is back for 2016 with the theme of ‘Decadence through the ages’.

An evening of circus and cabaret will keep you entertained throughout your stay with The Electro Swing Circus, a 6-piece fusion of saucy 20’s swing and stomping electro beats providing the musical entertainment.

TICKETS: £25 DOWNSTAIRS RESERVED OR £20 UPSTAIRS UNRESERVED

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COMING AT YOU

One of the UK’s most innovative performance companies, Dreamthinkspeak, are creating a bespoke new show for both Blackpool and London jointly commissioned by LeftCoast and LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre).‘Absent’ is a dreamscape that you can physically wander through and is entirely unlike any other show that has ever been presented in Blackpool.

With a set that takes literally months to build in a secret location and using film and soundscapes, it centres around the story of the varying fortunes in the once glamorous life of a wealthy woman and mirrors much of what is happening in society today. Tickets for timed slots will be available in 2016.

This will be the first time Dreamthinkspeak have been back in the North West since their sell out show at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral as part of the 2008 Capital of Culture.

For more information about Dreamthinkspeak visit www.dreamthinkspeak.com

ABSENT // AUTUMN 2016

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Celebrate all things food and the sense of community it can bring with LeftCoast and They Eat Culture in the beautiful Pavilion Theatre inside Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. WALK, TALK, EAT WITH ME // FRI 23 OCT // £5Join theatre company Unfinished Business for a specially created performance made in collaboration with young people from Streetlife, a charity for homeless young people. The performance will end with a tasty meal created by and shared with the audience. Bring ONE salad ingredient to add to the mix! Unfinished Business theatre company have teamed up with Streetlife, who support young homeless people in Blackpool to create a be-spoke performance, especially for Banquet. DISHING THE DIRT // 12-2PM SAT 24 OCT // £8.50Environment artist Kerry Morrison and FoodRiot chef Gill Watson bring you a performance meal to make you really questions where your food comes from. Get ready for a sensory exploration with a delicious meal of culinary surprises – but, expect the unexpected as you experience this unforgettable banquet. HOMESTEAD @ WINTER GARDENS // 3-5PM SAT 24 OCT // FREEThe residents of Grange Park and Squash Nutrition have spent the summer exploring ideas about community shops, kitchens and small holdings. Join them for a special meal where they’ll share the fruits of the harvest with a farm kitchen menu of seasonal tastes. FOOD HALL HORSESHOE // 11AM-5PM SAT 24 OCT // FREEStep inside and explore the world of food as created by artists working with communities from Blackpool and Wyre. Experience the finale of these projects, find information stalls and hear foodie talks all within the Food Hall Horseshoe.BOOKING: To book your place at Banquet Opening Night, Dishing the Dirt or Squash Nutrition & Grange Park Residents meal visit www.leftcoast.org.uk or call 01253 477973.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Banquet Table by Michael Powell // The People’s Pottery by Emilie Taylor & Victoria Dawes // Bread and Butter Stitches by Harriet Riddel // Wyre Salters by Maya Chowdhry and Jessica Mautner // The Lost Orchards of the LeftCoast by Philip Parr // Wabi-Char by Caroline Jupp.

BE PART OF IT

We can’t create this art transformation alone. We need you to be part of it – make art happen.

To celebrate the launch of the Grand’s new studio theatre, LeftCoast is developing a new strand of pop up performance across Blackpool and Wyre. If you think theatre isn’t for you, why not pop along and try something new? If you’d like to get involved in helping shape the programme of pop up performance work, get in touch and help us select which companies you’d like to see in your neighbourhood. We’re also launching Producer Tuesdays from October where independent producers interested in making new work can pop along. For more information contact Julia Turpin, Executive Director, on 01253 477973 or email julia.turpin@leftcoast.org.uk

Image: © Yannick Dickson

LEFTCOAST ENVOYS

I enjoy being a volunteer as I feel proud of myself for being able to help others and it makes me feel good knowing that I have made a difference. Being a volunteer has opened some different and exciting opportunities which I probably never would have experienced if I hadn’t been volunteering for LeftCoast. Ruth Coupe, LeftCoast Envoy.

BE PART OF IT

Being a LeftCoast Envoy puts you at the heart of the action, from jaw dropping spectacle to rewarding community projects. Envoys are an integral part of the LeftCoast team; working alongside other volunteers, artists, performers and staff, to make great art happen in Blackpool and Wyre.

Envoys have the opportunity to acquire and develop skills, expertise and knowledge; meet acclaimed artists, performers and practitioners; and are able to take advantage of a bespoke training package tailored to their professional development needs. Volunteering is an invaluable and enjoyable way to gain hands on professional experience and build confidence. It’s also a lot of fun!

As a thank you for donating their time and effort, Envoys can enjoy exciting arts and culture events taking place elsewhere in the UK, courtesy of LeftCoast.

To join our team of Envoys, contact Sophie Fuce, Volunteer Manager, on 01253 477971 or email sophie.fuce@leftcoast.org.uk

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Image: © CJGriffiths Photography

BE PART OF IT

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM //The team here at LeftCoast are always happy to hear from people from Blackpool, Wyre or beyond so pick up the phone, drop us an email, post us stuff or send a carrier pigeon…

Visit www.leftcoast.org.ukCall 01253 477973Email info@leftcoast.org.uk

LeftCoastGround Floor, FYCreatives154-158 Church StreetBlackpoolFY1 3PS

JULIA TURPIN, Executive Director julia.turpin@leftcoast.org.uk

MICHAEL TRAINOR, Artistic Director michael.trainor@leftcoast.org.uk

KERENZA MCCLARNAN, Creative Engagement Manager kerenza.mcclarnan@leftcoast.org.uk

DUNCAN HODGSON, Marketing & Audience Development Manager duncan.hodgson@leftcoast.org.uk

SOPHIE FUCE, Project Manager & Volunteer Manager sophie.fuce@leftcoast.org.uk

GARTH GRATRIX, Places for Art Project Manager garth.gratrix@leftcoast.org.uk

HELEN FROST, Cultural Connector helen.frost@leftcoast.org.uk

JADE DUCKWORTH, Marketing Apprentice jade.duckworth@leftcoast.org.uk AMY ATKINSON, Administratoramy.atkinson@leftcoast.org.uk

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WITH THANKS //LeftCoast is brought to you with the support of a whole range of partners, co-commissioners and collaborators. The programme would not be possible without their support.

Consortium Partners

Funders

Supporting Partners

Co-commissioners

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TRAM SUNDAY

Image: © Michael Trainor