Shallal's work has been hugely significant in enabling creative endeavour to flourish within the group and to reach out and connect with the community. When they have had the opportunity to work in studios, the quality of the work and the growth in self esteem has been a joy to see. Sam began to think of himself as a real artist after working at Porthmeor, and went on to have his own exhibition. It would be such a positive outcome if there was a permanent space where creative and artistic talents could develop and grow
“My name is George Bradley-Peer I am a musician and performing member of Shallal Dance Theatre. Shallal produces high quality life affirming work that consistently receives praise from its audiences. All of our work and shows are created and performed by our members, diverse in both age and ability. We continually struggle to produce our visual art, written word, music, dance and theatre without a permanent studio. As many of our members have unique and special needs, a studio would be especially valuable as a safe, stable and familiar home for creating, building and storing our future work. With such a space we could further develop our physical props, visual art and costuming to a much higher degree.”
A studio of our own would
provide wonderful opportunities to encourage and develop the creative
talents of Shallal participants. A place where we could immerse
ourselves in our chosen discipline, or explore new art forms, and
where we don't have to pack everything away in cupboards but instead
pick up where we left off, would allow us to delve deeper and progress
as creative human beings.
Shallal is a special gathering of people,
from all walks of life, with differing mental, physical and emotional
needs. As individuals we bond through a need to express ourselves,
through dance, music, movement, word, sound, making through all kinds
visual art. We collaborate and work on solo pieces, and we learn from
each other. A space for Shallal would give time for individuals to
create work in solitude and for groups of to collaborate in different
mediums and discipline, making exciting cross- art.
Our residences at
Back Lane West Studio have been hugely beneficial for me as a Shallal
writer and performer. I produced 'Studio' for Shallal 2, a recorded
voice piece created by observing Shallal painters in action. 'Pink and
Red' for Ladders and Footprints was developed in the studio, having
solo time and space in which to read and research, to move and speak
aloud, stick words onto walls, all with no distraction of the humdrum
and clutter of life. An empty studio is like a blank sheet of paper.
It may look clean and pure but it is crying out to be used, covered
and decorated, however flamboyant or minimal. Groups of us, ranging in
age from two years to fifties have made new music, spoken word,
painting and film together.
I cannot think of any other organisation
where such creative opportunities would be available. In addition to
supporting the creative needs of Shallal participants our work brings
enjoyment to others, our audiences. This all helps provide a sense of
belonging and inclusion, helping with our emotional well being. A
studio for Shallal would be a haven for mind, body and soul. Skills
developed would aid confidence and self-expression. I stand by my
slogan 'Shallal makes life better'.