We have thrilled to have confirmed the selection of five outstanding artists for participation in our artistic collaboration programme, Elevate. The initiative aims to nurture and support emerging talent in the brass band community, providing a platform for artistic growth and innovation as well as a chance to reach and engage with new audiences. The new cohort of artists brings a diverse range of skills and creative visions, promising to enrich the brass band scene with fresh perspectives and dynamic performances.
Meet the Elevate artists
- Caitlin Strongarm is a community artist who makes collaborative public works, using puppetry, procession and interactive installations made from reclaimed materials.
- Niki Colclough is an artist based in Manchester, working on self-directed projects and commissions to explore how art can address social issues, with a focus on care, wellbeing and the environment.
- Josh Brown is a composer who completed his PhD in Composition with Professor Philip Grange at the University of Manchester in 2018. He has been Artist in Residence at the John Rylands Library in Manchester, commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and has been featured in music festivals in Germany, Poland, Italy, and the UK.
- Phoenix Fry is an artist working with video, books, drawing and participatory art. His work uses folklore and mythology as a way of reflecting on what’s going on in the world now, or what’s going on inside us.
- Martha and Ben Harlan: Martha is a director, choreographer, and performer trained at ArtsEd and Siobhan Davies Studios, focusing on rhythm. They assist with Tribeca Award-winning Point A's soundwalks and direct voice-overs for the app SleepWorlds, with their work exploring themes of presence and support. Ben is a clarinettist and composer who has composed for Netflix's "One Day," BBC's "Coming Down The Mountain," and is currently creating a musical based on Jonah and the Whale and an operatic interpretation of Beatrix Potter stories.
Applications open for Bands
In addition to welcoming new artists, applications for bands to join the fourth round of the programme are now open.
The Elevate programme is designed to provide comprehensive support to participating bands, including:
- Tailored mentorship from leading artists and conductors
- Workshops and masterclasses to enhance musical skills
- Performance opportunities designed by the band, and delivered by BBE’s project team
- Access to resources and tools for organisational development
- Video and written introductions to the Elevate artists who are available to collaborate with on the Elevate programme are available on BBE’s Elevate page, where the artists also introduce what their creative ideas are and how they would collaborate with their paired band.
Bands can apply via the dedicated Elevate page. Questions can be directed to jess@bbe.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is Friday 1 November.