Get involved as The Arts take centre stage

Following on from the high level of interest in the series of panels hosted by Frome Town Council in 2015, this year sees the formation of a new panel dedicated to performing arts in Frome and the surrounding area.

The new panel met for the first time on Thursday 28th April at The Frome Assembly Rooms. As with previous panels, the ‘Performing Arts Panel ‘is open to the public, and the town council wants to call on those people locally who have interests and skills to get involved. The panel will be reporting back and making recommendations to the town council in October.

Cllr Al O’Kane who chairs the panel said, “We’re going to hold six meetings in total, this first meeting was dedicated to the subject of ‘venues’. As with all panel meetings, everyone is welcome to attend.

“The objective of the new panel is to identify ways that the town council can help maintain and support the development of the performing arts scene in Frome and the surrounding area. The panel will be looking at what is good, what can be improved, what people and organisations need, and what the town council might be able to do to help.

“Together with the other councillors involved, we’re really looking forward to hearing from all aspects of the performing arts scene in Frome.

“Our town is so rich in creative talent, but with the government cuts in the arts over the last few years, it’s about time we had a chance to voice the issues we face, and hopefully discover ways of helping each other.

“Whether you’re involved with music, theatre, bands, dance or poetry, comedy, visual arts or any alternative and emerging art-form – you’re welcome to come along and have your say.

“This has never been done before and is new to everyone – so I’ve no idea what’s going to emerge – what’s important here, is that we all have an opportunity to get involved with supporting and positively developing our local performing arts scene.”

The panel meetings have been divided into six sections focussing on specific aspects of the arts: May: Performers meeting – open to all performance artists, musicians, actors, dancers, theatre companies, visual artists, bands etc. June: Industry professionals – everyone from promoters, festival organisers through to technical bodies (i.e. sound engineers, lighting etc.. July: Performing arts charities, organisations and groups – open to all charity/community groups and local organisations within the arts August: Audiences – open to all members of the public, local gig/theatre goers and residents September: Roundup – this feedback meeting will look at how the town council can move forward from everything they have learned at these individual meetings and put together the recommendations to be put forward to council in October

For further information email brookesm@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or visit  www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk. Dates are yet to be confirmed for the meetings listed, however these will be issued soon on the council’s website.