Artists in Residence

Laurel Swift

Musician in Residence for March 2011

In March 2011, as part of her EFDSS professional development bursary, musician and dancer Laurel Swift invited storyteller and fellow EFDSS Associate Artist Debs Newbold to spend three days with her exploring new starting points for developing and creating performance work that combined folk arts and traditional music. In just three short days Laurel and Debs created the beginning of a wonderful show. Their forty minute presentation included instrumental music, song, storytelling and clog dance.

Karen Wimhurst

Musician in residence for December 2010

In December 2010 EFDSS hosted a one-week residency by Karen Wimhurst, musician, composer and teacher, who invited folk singer Emily Portman to collaborate with her on the research and development of traditional and new material around the theme of Apple Journeys. At the end of the week Karen and Emily presented the beautiful and intriguing results of their residency. Since then, Karen, with Emily and other artists, has gone on to develop a new evening's work, The Fruit of Paradise, which will tour later in 2011.

Debs Newbold

Storyteller in Residence

In 2009 and 2010 Debs has been involved in performing at a number of events at Cecil Sharp House and leading EFDSS education projects. www.deborahnewbold.co.uk 

Matthew Cowan

Visual Artist in Residence for 2009

Matthew’s role included curating exhibitions at Cecil Sharp House, making new art work and delivering workshops for adults and children in the local community. www.matthewcowan.net