With WATERWEEK2 beginning in the locality this Sunday (March 8), we took the opportunity to talk to artists, Clare Whistler and Charlotte Still, about their ambitious plan to put on a week of events inspired by the Pevensey Levels.
The seven days will see fifty people offering talks and performances. Contributions come from international documentary film makers, authors and historians to musicians, dancers and storytellers.
The sequence of events unfolds daily, free of charge to audiences. Events take place at various venues and locations, from Herstmonceaux Castle to Hailsham Pavilion – Cinema and Theatre.
As an engaging educational and cultural experience for the communities concerned, the week is also looking like it could be both groundbreaking and memorable.
With special thanks to Clare Whistler for taking time out from her busy schedule to answer our questions.
Our starting point for the conversation was the educational setting that frames the week. Not everyone gets to be a scholar in residence with a castle for a classroom…..
IN CONVERSATION WITH CLARE WHISTLER
Scholar in Residence, Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux Castle
WATERWEEK2 8—14 March 2015
Fabulous title, how did the two of you get to be Scholars in Residence at the Bader International Study Centre, Queens University based in Herstmonceux Castle?
After WATERWEEK1 the empty shop we had in Hailsham got rented!
One of the speakers had talked about how Hailsham would have been near the waterfront long ago and we were intrigued. Charlotte lives in Hailsham I live in Ashburnham. We decided to walk the ‘edge ‘ linking Eastbourne to Cooden, as well as linking our two homes- we are very interested in our localness.
What we saw between the two was Herstmonceux castle – so we decided we would go and ask if they could give us any space there.
We sent info about the project and set up a meeting, then another – the university usually has one scholar in residence – someone just finishing their PhD, etc always an academic – so far nobody local.
We happened to ask at the right moment when they were considering someone local, also we did not need the room and board that is what is offered.
We had to offer two events which we did and some walks and are finishing with WATERWEEK.
It is fun to be called scholars – usually I am called artist in residence.
Can you tell us a bit about WATERWEEK1?
WATERWEEK1 came out of Project Stream – searching for the sources of the river Cuckmere.
We decided we wanted to know more about water so held WATERWEEK1 with water experts – and water experts are people who are passionate about water – we all have water stories and it was a way to offer something back to Hailsham after having the shop to use as a studio.
It was a joyous undertaking to do this free event in an empty shop!
WATERWEEK2 is looking like it might be a very engaging week. Was it difficult to get the organisation of the week together?
It is huge but very exciting when people say yes. We also held a series of artists walks in January and much work has been made to be exhibited in the Castle and North Gallery Hailsham.
We have spent two/three days a week since Christmas putting it all together and also meeting and talking to all of the local agencies, farmers etc as part of our Underwateredge project.
The publicity materials are fabulous, did you do the publicity yourselves?
We took all the photographs on the Pevensey Levels ourselves and graphic designer Raphael Whittle puts it together.
Which event in the week are you most looking forward to in terms of anticipation?
Of course I will say all of the events because I have no idea how they will turn out – that is the beauty of the juxtapostions of all the people – none of it can be rehearsed!
I am looking forward to dancing in the very last event ! But really truly I am looking forward to all of them.
WATERWEEK2—In conversation with Clare Whistler
Simon Montgomery, editor Bay Life, all rights reserved
