For me, this is the driving force behind the Paddock,
the central reason for our existence. In this world that
is about to change dramatically due to the stresses brought on by climate change, how can we re-train ourselves to source our arts locally? How can we shift the mind-set which tells us that local art is by nature provincial, and therefore less good, less exciting, or
less professional? Great artists have to live somewhere.
And many of them live here.
Ever since I moved to Lewes ten years ago, I have
been astounded by the people who live in this town, quietly producing top-level art of all kinds: actors, writers, painters, dancers, sculptors, singers, choreographers, film-makers, musicians. So often, though, the majority of their work is produced, performed, exhibited or published up in London
or elsewhere. How can we entice these artists
to work
at home?
The Paddock was formed to create projects that bring together artists in our area and inspire them to produce work where they live, for and with the people with
whom they live. In 2004, we did a play in people’s houses. In 2006, we danced in the streets, and performed a children’s theatre piece on top of Mount Caburn. In 2007, we commissioned a new opera about Finnish Prisoners in Lewes, and put it on in a disused warehouse.
Visit your Farmer’s Market."
Susannah Waters
Artistic Director
which they live. We aim to get people of all ages actively involved in the arts, both as participants and as audience members, stressing an exchange of new talents and skills as well as an increased accessibility to
a wide variety of art-forms. Our projects are regularly supported by the Arts Council England, South East, as well as many other trusts
and foundations.