On 22 and 23 March the theatre team at Take Art produced BARNfest. Supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the event was a two-day diverse and inclusive theatre festival showcasing theatre made in Somerset and the South West. The festival was produced in partnership with, and hosted at, Taunton Brewhouse for theatre practitioners, early career theatre-makers, venues, promoters, artists and local school and nursery audiences.
"I enjoyed chatting, networking and getting a glimpse of some of the mountain of work being made in Somerset – thank you.”
Participant
The two days showcased and celebrated performances, pitches, work in progress and digital work. It also included the Venues South West (VSW) Symposium. The Symposium was made up of a female-led artists panel, compèred by Abby Young from Tall Tails Theatre Company. It included some rich debate, discussion and shared experience around working in the arts and how we can respond to post-covid challenges, make way for new conversations, break down barriers and open more collaborative and inclusive working opportunities.
“It is a really great event and very helpful to me as a programmer. It’s a fantastic festival that allows me to dedicate some time and focus on Somerset artists and companies, in one place, in a very focused way.”
Participant
The whole event was a great success bringing together like-minded people, theatre-makers and producers working in Somerset and the South West. There was opportunity to network, discuss, and make connections.
“A massive thank you for giving us the opportunity to pitch our show. It was a very useful exercise for us and we got some really good feedback and advice.”
Participant
Taunton Brewhouse, along with all the artists who participated, performed, and engaged made BARNfest a wonderful celebration. Photographer Len Copland was on hand to capture moments from the two days of sharing. The BARNfest photobook will be posted on our Facebook page soon but in the meantime, enjoy some select shots from the event:
