Some of Tayside’s biggest cultural centres have developed new ways to connect with their audiences during the coronavirus crisis.
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, and Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall have launched projects aimed at helping overcome lockdown-imposed isolation.
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have announced Where Are You, Dundee? A collective artwork created for and by the community of Dundee, it encourages people to share their stories and experiences.
Each week a series of creative tasks will be announced, designed to bring people together despite their physical separation. Those taking part will be encouraged to share stories and artwork to create an evolving tapestry of memories, experiences and everyday moments.
The project is open to everyone and its organisers particularly hope to reach out to the most isolated and vulnerable people in the area.
In a mutual comment, joint-chief executive/artistic director of Dundee Rep Andrew Panton and Scottish Dance Theatre artistic director Joan Clevillé said: “When we were thinking about our artistic response over this period, we were really keen to involve our audiences and make sure they were involved in the choices we make.
“We asked ourselves: ‘what is a theatre and dance company when our building is closed and we can’t be in the same physical spaces as our audiences and participants?’
“‘Where are you, Dundee?’ is a conversation that will take place both online and offline. It is a provocation and an invitation to find creativity in everyday life, to collect positive action and stimulate engagement across different generations.
“We can’t wait to see people’s responses and build this artwork together.”
Associate directors Jess Thorpe and Tashi Gore added: “The tasks will be designed to appeal to a wide range of people and so there should be something that everyone can engage with.
“We are looking forward to learning more about our community as the project grows and we are excited for what we will learn about Dundee along the way.
“We also hope that as the weeks go on it can provide us all with a valuable source of strength, and a connection to our neighbours as we get through this difficult time together.”
More details are at Dundeerep.co.uk
The doors may be closed at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre but the team behind the venues is sharing daily moments of culture and community to stay in touch while the buildings are dark.
Keep Going Together delivers daily offerings from across Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind the two venues. The arts company’s staff have posted about everything from concerts they wished they had been to, desert island discs line-ups, comedy double acts, their favourite plays, actors who have inspired them – even recipes for their favourite meals at the venue’s cafes.
Perth Theatre artistic director Lu Kemp said: “Our venues are amazing but what makes them is the community around them.
“We’re the mums and babies who meet every week in Perth Theatre café. We’re the WiFi users on their laptops in Perth Concert Hall foyer.
“We’re the raucous concert goers who dress up, drink up and dance on down. We’re the clued up classical audiences who turn up rain or shine to cheer on international stars and local musicians. We’re the theatre lovers who cherish the history and embrace the now in our perfectly restored auditorium.
“We’re the Join In groups from kids to adults who meet and make friends while singing, acting or dancing. We’re the noisy conference delegates spilling out of workshops and meetings to network.
“We’re the amazing artists who share their work in our spaces. We’re our proud supporters who help us in so many ways. We’re each and every member of our dedicated team who make it happen every day.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back into our venues.
“Keep Going Together is our way of keeping this community together as we all face this challenging situation.
“It’s a bite-sized bit of escapism that can fit easily into everybody’s day. We’re happy to take any suggestions and feedback that people have on what they would like to see covered on the site.”
For more, see Keepgoingtogether.co.uk