This new festival aims to support vulnerable arts organisations and connect through culture, with lots of Nottinghamshire talent involved including Rob Green, Ajay Henry, Major Labia and more...
This June, some of Nottinghamshire’s finest cultural organisations have a treat in store for the whole family as they premiere a new virtual festival on an interactive digital park.
UPLOAD Virtual Festival takes place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June at STREAM PARK online - Nottingham’s first interactive digital park, and will be presented by BBC Radio Nottingham presenters Sarah Julian, Dean Jackson and Arun Verma.
There will be a wide range of culture for all the family to enjoy including music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual-art, poetry and much more. The line-up has been revealed, and it features plenty of local talent including Rob Green, Ajay Henry, Major Labia, Tasha Dean, Jamal Sterrett Phoenix, Dawn Richmond and more.
UPLOAD Virtual Festival is a benefit festival supported by Inspire - Culture, Learning and Libraries to support arts organisations with partners including Inspire, Nottingham Playhouse, Nordoff Robbins (Music Therapy), Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham Students’ Union, Nottinghamshire Music Hub, MLC Academy and Community Recording Studio.
Inspire Youth Arts Manager, Andy Dawson said: “Inspire has risen to the challenge of the lockdown by creating an extensive virtual offer on its web site whilst all the services have been incredibly creative in transferring services online. These range from 1:1 learning, group workshops, performances and virtual exhibitions and much more. As we prepare for some limited re-opening we continue to innovate within the arts and look to develop new ways of delivering in the digital realm”.
Sandy Trappitt, Head of Partnerships at Nordoff Robbins added: ‘We’re so excited to have been chosen as a charity partner for UPLOAD virtual festival. As a music therapy charity, we understand the connectivity that music brings is more important than ever. However, like many other charities, we’re being severely impacted by the current Coronavirus outbreak. Not only will the donations that come through UPLOAD festival help us to continue to work with people affected by life limiting illness, isolation or disability through music therapy across the UK - it will also help safeguard our future as a charity.”
The festival hopes that while raising some funds for the arts and education community it will also bring awareness of the challenges and achievements currently facing it; give renowned artists, students and the community performance opportunities; and build an online community.
Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries Chief Executive Officer Peter Gaw said: ‘The festival has been set up to support our partners and artists so that they can share and inspire with you. It is a great opportunity for the whole of Nottinghamshire to connect in culture.”
UPLOAD Virtual Festival takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June, 2pm - 11pm. Tickets are free with the option to donate to various organisations, and they can be redeemed from the website.
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