is an innovative project which works in partnership with artists, arts venues, child-care settings and families to develop exciting, inspiring performing arts experiences for children aged 0-4 in Scotland. Starcatchers has now launched a new Artists’ Residencies prgramme whcich involves four artists based in venues around Scotland. Platform is a key partner in the development of one of these residencies, providing time, space and resources for experimentation and practice development. The resulting new productions will engage, entertain and nurture the very youngest children in Scotland. Ultimately, our vision is that Scotland becomes a world leader in performing arts for the 0 to 4 age range. We are delighted that artist MATT ADDICOTT has joined Platform as our Starcatchers' Arist in Residence.
For further information on the Starcatchers project or to join the mailing list please visit www.starcatchers.org.uk
Catch up with what Matt has beeing getting up to in his blog below!
AUGUST UPDATE!
I continue to enjoy my residency here at Platform. In May I created and produced the Incredible Swimming Choir – a choir concert for 0-4 year olds and their carers that took place in the Swimming Pool next door. Programmed as part of the Flutter Echo event the concert was well attended and lots of fun! Keen to build on this success and allow more members of the local community to enjoy the work The Incredible Swimming Choir will be performed again in November and features in both the IETM and Inspiration festival programmes.
I am currently in the middle of creating a show specifically designed for 0-2 year olds. I am working with two performers, two designers, a composer and production manager to create First Light an original performance experience to be enjoyed by the youngest of children and their carers. The show opens on August 26th and will be performed nine times in the auditorium. Sales are going well so far and on the final day of the shows run we are hosting a local network event designed to raise awareness of the project, develop new links and build on existing relationships.
In September and October I plan to lead a programme of workshops with local child care centres and nurseries and am also keen to develop the work I began with the local CHCP.
What does a dream look like?
February 2010
This month I have been exploring the Platform building with a set and lighting designer. I am really interested in the work of Studio Orka – their work begins with design and I want to try it myself.
I am currently sifting through the pictures, thoughts and ideas that the three of us have had in response to the space.
The plan is to create an installation inspired by the venue that can be enjoyed by children across the 0-4 age range and also by the adults that experience it with them.
Whilst working on the project last week an interesting question arose - What does a dream look like? And if you’re six months old – do you really care?
Maybe, maybe not but if you’re six, sixteen or sixty-six years old should we not be asking the same question?
Is it important for an audience to understand everything you present them with? Does it affect their enjoyment of an experience, make it any less successful?
The next stage for this project, once we have decided on an idea to focus on, sees us present our initial ideas to an invited audience – perhaps then we’ll find out once and for all!
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JANUARY 2010
LOST ELVES, LETTERS FROM SANTA AND DANCING WITH THE MAN IN THE MOON!
In my first couple of months here at Platform I have met lots of new friends and am really enjoying spending time in the building.
I plan to create new and original performance experiences for 0-4 year olds and the adults that accompany them to the venue. So far I have begun developing two ideas.
Santa helped me start work on the first by sending me a letter just before Christmas. Santa had lost an elf and needed him back to get all of the toys ready. I needed some help and so paid a visit to Lochview nursery and together we found the elf, named him ‘Steven’ and sent him back to
Although I don’t think there will be any elves in the next stage of this show’s development I am not going to tell you what there will be, just in case it ruins the surprise!
I am also working on a story about the Man in the Moon and a woman called Dawn. I worked with two performers and a musician for five days and I’m really pleased with what we created. We presented our ideas to the children and adults that come into the library for the Bounce and Rhyme session. They were a fantastic audience and gave us some very helpful feedback.
During February and March I plan to continue working with small groups of artists to explore the possibilities of my ideas and share them with groups from the local community.
Watch this space for updates on the work I am doing and information about how you can get involved.
Also check out the www.starcatchers.org.uk for more information about the Starcatchers project and what the three other artists are up to.
Cheers!
Matt Addicott
Starcatchers Artist in Residence
matt@platform-online.co.uk
