Even though 2020 has thrown up some interesting challenges, we’ ve continued working behind the scenes to ensure that the work of GNUF can continue in the future. With support from the Arts Council and from a range of festival sponsors and friends we are supporting a few people and projects. We are also investing in our own future and sharing what we’re learning.
Keeping the Good Things Going
GNUF in the Community
Free Performances by festival artists in care homes and community settings…
During the festival last year, GNUF performers visited care homes, other festivals and places to perform for free, basically just sharing the goodwill of the festival weekend with those who might not otherwise be able to take part.
Yoko Mainwaring Experience leading…
GNUF in the Community was led by Martyn (EEK) Cooper & Mike Holland (both wearing hats in this picture). This year, we’ve managed to get a bit of support in place so that these two and other members of their band The Yoko Mainwaring Experience can do similar performances virtually using digital technology.
Mim's Moving Online
Mim’s Momentous Move Online…
Throughout the Spring, people have been sharing memories of the courtyard performances, encounters and sheer good fun. Mim was inspired by this and is working on the idea of a virtual/online Mim’s Stage.
She’s in the planning stages and will share more as things develop. Her enthusiasm is great and we are truly excited to see how this develops!
Doing New Things & Sharing
Throughout the Spring & Summer of 2020, we are supporting artists to continue working where possible. We are also having discussions with performers, producers and others about what we are learning as we navigate the unexpected challenges this year has presented. We’ll be pullling together what we’re learning and producing a book as well as online resources to share in the Autumn.
These are just some of the things we’re doing behind the scenes to keep the good spirit behind GNUF going. We’ll also be holding more virtual events and we are working with artists to support them creating work in new ways. Early on in all of this, we hosted some zoom singalongs and took part in other online festivals. We were featured in the U3A Magazine where we were proud to be asked to talk about the ukulele and how so many people connect through it.
Our website is also being redesigned at present by the ace Fort Greene Agency in Hebden Bridge to help us to more online and off.