Welcome everyone. My name is Virginia Gillespie, artistic director of VG PlayRoom. In 2017 we were recipients of a Surrey Cultural Grant for what we call the Word-Arts Project. This afternoon’s event is the culmination of that project and the third part of a Word-Arts Live! series we have called Ages and Stages. I’d like to thank Surrey for these cultural grants that help diverse artists and groups try out new projects as well as helping to raise their profiles and capacity building so necessary for a robust arts community. Todd Ayotte is always encouraging and is a great mentor. For us this seed money has opened many doors and strengthened connections. I encourage you to learn more about the grants. We also thank Alexandra Neighbourhood House as our not-for-profit partner and consultants Heidi Greco, Fauzia Rafique and Neil Ferneyhough. The word-arts project had several components: hunting and gathering information on local word-artists and events; performance, training and celebration. We met with many individuals and groups and took a survey about people, venues, issues, activities and wish lists. (We define word-artist definition as writers, actors, musicians, educators, poets, journalists, groups, fans – the word people) Bottom line – people want much more of this in South Surrey and also vital arts hub/café/gathering places. With all of the talent and resources here, we shouldn’t always have to drive to Vancouver. We also met Irene Plett with the WRSS Writer’s Club who is excellent at promoting literary events. From the surveys we chose 3 training workshops: Poetry with Candice James, Song Writer Circle with Kat Wahamaa and Tony Rees and Play with Plays with myself and Rosie Miller. We hosted a salon organized by Kat Wahamaa (who was a great hunter-gatherer partner) at the Semiahmoo Arts Turnbull Gallery we called Southern Exposure to socialize and enjoy author Marion Quednau, Actor Jacques Lalonde, Poet Heather Haley, Musician Kempton Dexter and writer Taslim Jaffer. And very significant is the partnership with Fauzia Rafique. Word-Arts Live is an initiative between Surrey Muse and VG PlayRoom. For several years Fauzia and Surrey Muse have held monthly events at the Surrey Centre Library with the format author, poet, performer, open mic. The very accomplished word-artists are diverse, not only in their styles but also in ethnicity and the provocative issues they present. Our first 5-part series last spring was very well attended. With Ages and Stages (youth, adulthood and golden years) we changed the format to include a discussion to make it more of a forum. I am grateful to Fauzia for her professionalism and dedication. And I hope that those of you who have loved these reading events will help find ways for Surrey Muse to continue here in South Surrey. Thanks also to our photographer Celina Strachan and multitask supporter Steve Chitty and of course to you, friends and audience. Keep attending and asking for more! The 2018 VG PlayRoom project, called Listening Bowl is quite different as many events will be experiential and held outdoors. You’ll find information on the table or you can talk with Celina Strachan or Heidi McCurdy about upcoming rambles – the next one is Sunday, March 18th. Sana Janjua our MC, is also part of Surrey Muse and I now turn it over to her. Author Playwright - Virginia Gillespie play reading of LOSS with actors Celina Strachan and Corrie Mosier Poet - Candice James Performer - Harvey Ostroff Crescent Beach, BC Alexandra Hall 3:00 pm.
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AuthorVirginia Gillespie, wordsmith, coach and artistic director of VG PlayRoom & Word Studio. Interdisciplinary projects and events. Archives
September 2017
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