In response to the centenary of suffrage, Stealing Sheep are celebrating women with a brand new performance inspired by the suffragette movement.The surreal-pop trio have issued a call out for 15 female drummers and percussionists from the Liverpool area to help create their new performance piece entitled “Suffragette Tribute”.
The 5-day creative residency in Liverpool forms part of Both Sides Now, a 3 year campaign to support, inspire and showcase women in music across the North of England, co-ordinated by Manchester based music charity Brighter Sound. The ‘Suffragette Tribute’ is co-commissioned by Edge Hill University as part of its ‘Wonder Women’ year of celebration for the centenary of women’s suffrage.
” ‘Stealing Sheep’s Suffragette Tribute’ will bring together female musicians with design, AV and production students to create a marching band and procession featuring brand new music – all inspired by women, equality and empowerment. The tribute will be showcased at Liverpool Sound City on the 5th May, and at Festival No.6 and End of The Road later this summer.
“We want to work with women from different ages, backgrounds and a mix of musical influences and styles, with a shared vision for celebrating women and suffrage.” the band explain, “This incredible anniversary has inspired us to create a new piece of music that will come alive during this residency. We want to make a bold statement, bring women together and get loud!”
Co-ordinated by Manchester music charity Brighter Sound – with support from Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence fund – Both Sides Now combines residencies for emerging talent, mentoring, digital resources for schools and education, industry training, apprenticeships and national and international events. Focusing on Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and the surrounding areas, Both Sides Now aims to bridge the gap in access and opportunity between the North of England and London.
The campaign launched last November at an event in Manchester with Mayor Andy Burnham, host Miranda Sawyer and a host of participants from the Manchester area led by Beth Orton. As director of the first artist residency, Beth said of the programme, “For me, Both Sides Now stands for a space where you can feel free to create music you feel excited to explore, a language you get to define for yourself and not be defined by.”
Both Sides Now programme:
- Residencies for emerging artists
- Residencies for young female musicians
- National and international commissions for new work
- Music industry apprenticeships
- Conferences, symposia and showcases for industry and creativity
- Education – digital resources for music curriculum focused on the roles and achievements of women in music. In partnership with charanga.com
Those interested in participating in any of these programmes should register at www.brightersound.com/bothsidesnow for more information and updates
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