Go Furness

May Davies

May

May has always had an interest in the arts and started working at the Brewery Arts Centre from 2000–2008, part-time whilst she was at school and Uni. During this time, an art tutor, Pete Clark inspired her to complete a foundation year at what is now the University of Cumbria. This was followed by a Fine Art Degree at Oxford Brookes Uni where she had the opportunity to really immerse herself in the (multi) culture. Again she took a part-time job at the New Theatre which allowed her to indulge in plays, shows and the theatre world.

Her interest in public art, community art, creative events, carnivals and festivals grew and she decided to volunteer at the Kendal Torchlight procession. This was not only good fun, but a really smart career move. She co-ran the virtual Torchlight competition and continues to help co-ordinate the street entertainers for the Saturday afternoon slot.

In Oxford, she organised a fabulous and successful world fashion show, featuring multi-cultural cloths from local stockists. She even managed to have some fun despite the stress of organising such a huge event at such a tender age!

Keen to build her career on return to South Lakeland, May embarked on the cv-trail visiting local organisations and gaining a good sense of the local arts scene and doing a week’s work experience for The Canteen, editing videos and generally helping out. Eventually, they took her on in January 2008. I am not surprised because May is a warm and intelligent woman, with lots of bright ideas, a genuine desire to really make a difference and the ability to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

She is really passionate about work that has a positive effect on people’s lives. She works hard to create projects that provide a break from the hum-drum and mundane. There is a fascinating philosophical debate I keep having with people about the extent that art and culture have an impact on the economy and wellbeing of a community. Having had this discussion with May, I know she will do whatever she can to ensure that whatever projects she is involved in will really benefit the Barrow Community.

Now she is at the Canteen she has lots of opportunities. She does some filming, editing, designing posters and flyers for gig nights, helps with bookings, keeps track of ticket sales, networks and develops the promotion.

May is an innovator. She is chair of the Barrow Island Cinema Project, a committee run project screening films for the community at the Canteen. One of the projects within this is Docs at the Docks, which is a collaboration between Northern Riviera and The Canteen.

This is a mega-exciting project that May has taken over and is transforming with a new and quirky angle- she is involving the community in the event. She aims to screen interesting and insightful documentaries, allow aspiring filmmakers to show-off their work and set up 30 second documentaries using mobile phones, digital cameras or camcorders. She is inviting all age groups and is offering some really fab prizes for the winners. How cool is that? One of the days will be dedicated to a Trade Fair Style Event, inviting local film companies to showcase their work to invited local potential clients, promoting local trade and networking. The event will look at all the aspects of film making and create opportunities for creative organisations around Barrow. May can see clearly how Docs will be of huge benefit to the grassroots culture of Barrow and provide an excellent opportunity for collaborative work between the local creative organisations. I think this is a golden opportunity established creative industries, new starts and wanabes.

Of course May is aware of the challenges of getting people on board. She knows that wherever you are in the world, the biggest challenge is always encouraging people to move out of their comfort zone and take a risk. But one step ahead she is, and she has done the market research on what the community wants. She has spent some time knocking on doors and asking the right questions. And if communication is the key to effective research, then May is your woman. She is soft and gentle, but powerful and will get honest answers to her heartfelt questions. I think she could be quite an instrumental player in the regeneration of Barrow.

Watch this space, and we will keep you posted on how this project develops and who gets involved. Meanwhile, go for it May, you’re a star!

Posted by Kay Hebbourn on 24th July.