Oxford Inspires News
Monday, 20 July 2009
Arts across Oxford receive a boost
MINI Plant Oxford continues to play a role in bringing innovative arts events and projects to Oxford this year.
Working in partnership with Oxford Inspires and local arts organisations, the Plant has pledged its support to the work of the cultural development agency and a number of community-based projects taking place during 2009.
Kathelene Weiss, Director of Development at Oxford Inspires, said: “We are delighted to have developed a strong partnership with MINI Plant Oxford. The Plant has been a Major Supporter of Oxford Inspires since 2005.
“Plant Oxford has become integral to, and associated with, building the environment for a strong and vibrant arts sector and continues to make a real difference to our city’s cultural and community life.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Carnival in the Park a Resounding Success
The sun shone on the estimated 30,000 people of all ages who filled South Park on Sunday for Carnival in the Park, this year’s alternative to the Cowley Road Carnival celebrating diversity in East Oxford. The event was truly representative of the many cultures represented in East Oxford and Oxfordshire, with locals and visitors enjoying the talent of local musicians, dance groups and other performers, food from around the world, and the pleasure of being together.
The procession, made up of 28 schools and community groups decked in fantastic costumes, wound its way down the hill in the park, smiling, dancing and drumming, to the U Dance Festival dance stage for their final bow.
The event was proclaimed a resounding success by many, and the organisers, East Oxford Action Charity, extend their thanks to Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Arts Council England and MINI Plant Oxford, and to the many volunteers and people who helped out in so many ways, for making it possible.
Monday, 06 July 2009
Oxford’s own theatre company cleans up river for the ‘greenest’ Twelfth Night ever!
Oxford’s Creation Theatre Company will be performing Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night this summer at the Saïd Business School Amphitheatre 9 July – 5 Sept and most of the set and costumes is to be made from the flotsam and jetsam the actors can pick up along the Thames. Shakespeare’s famous comedy of mistaken identity starts with a shipwreck on an island, and Director, Heather Davies, has therefore decided that in the play the characters will be seen picking up “debris” and using it inventively (as you would have to on a desert island) to make their costumes and props (e.g. a net of ropes could perhaps be made into a cloak). Creation therefore wants to find all the items they need from the natural environment and recycle them for their show.
