In the summer, we designed a survey for Performing Arts Workers in Cornwall, in order to assess the current feelings about the arts scene in our county. The survey was circulated through emails and on Facebook. We have been heartened by the overwhelmingly positive and candid responses from 72 artists who completed the survey. While the survey underscored the abundance of ambition, talent, and passion in Cornwall's performing arts community, it also shed light on the frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion that many artists face.

Our goal is to begin addressing these challenges by coming together in person to brainstorm solutions for the issues causing these concerns. Consequently, we and fellow performing arts company Scary Little Girls would like to extend an invitation to all performing arts workers in Cornwall to join us for a practical discussion event at St Gluvias Village Hall in Penryn on Sunday, November 26th, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

During this event, we will delve into five key issues identified from the survey:

1. Local funding (decision-making and distribution)

2. Cliquiness and Gatekeeping in Cornwall

3. Limited artistic freedom

4. The value of artists in Cornwall

5. Geographical and professional disconnectedness

Our aim is to explore these issues through small, informal group discussions to generate actionable starting points to affect positive change.

We also have plans to host similar events in 2024 in various areas across Cornwall. If you cannot attend the Penryn event, please let us know which areas would be more convenient for you.

 For those who would like to attend the Penryn event, here are directions to the hall:

https://www.stgluviashallpenryn.org.uk/location/

By foot, its address is 48 West Street, Penryn TR10 8ER
Approached from town centre, the entrance is on the right down the path just after  no.46. The path leads down via steep steps to the main entrance door.

By bus, approaching from the Truro direction, there is bus stop on West Street conveniently before the Calver Close turning – ask for “Calver Close, in West Street“.

By train

The hall is also not far from Penryn train station, walk downhill into Penryn, the footpath leading to the hall will be on your left just before no.46.

Approaching from the Falmouth direction (and for all departures), use the bus stops in the town centre.

By private vehicle, its address is Calver Close, Penryn TR10 8SG
Approach along West Street (one-way from the Truro direction); turn left into Calver Close and follow the road down to the bottom where it opens out. The Hall is on the right.

There is very limited parking (spaces H5-H10 (the hatched area) only.
[The spaces H1-H4 are privately leased and are never available to hall users].
You must display a parking permit or risk a Penalty Charge Notice.
There is step-free access from the parking area via the concrete path to the main door.

Additional car parks in Penryn:

https://www.penryn-tc.gov.uk/around-town/car-parks/

There will be snacks available but please bring lunch if you would like something more substantial!

Thank you for considering our invitation. We look forward to the opportunity to engage in this crucial discussion and work together to improve the performing arts landscape in Cornwall.