François Matarasso, Chair of Arts Council England East Midlands, gave these remarks that were read at the Feast exhibition reception, 25th January 2007.
I am sorry not to be able to be with you in person this afternoon, particularly as I have watched the development of arts projects at Double Impact with growing interest and admiration since I attended the launch of the first show in November 2004. That exhibition, which was the result of 24 two-hour taster sessions with different artists, astonished me with its range, vitality and imagination; I remember some of the print work and the animations as being particularly striking.
Since then the arts have become firmly established within the work of Double Impact, offering people a creative and imaginative opportunity that few, if any, have had before. The art group is one of the most popular activities offered by the project, and its members are taking an increasingly large part in choosing and organising its regular activities. What is also important is that the work does not stay within Double Impact: visits have been made to galleries in Nottingham, to Rufford Craft Centre and Magna, to the Nottingham Playhouse and elsewhere. I know that the next step is to develop new links with arts organisations in the city in order to continue the process of removing barriers to enjoying the arts in all their aspects.
This exhibition marks another threshold in a full year’s work. I visited the Journey exhibition in June delivered by lead artists Maggie Smith and Karen Walsgrove; and here, with Feast are Fran Tristram and Rod Bailey. Again, the resulting work is rich and engaging, by turns humorous, delightful and moving. Always approachable, it reflects the delight of its makers in discovering new techniques and ideas through which to express their experience.
And that, for me, is the most important aspect of this work. It gives people who are not often heard a voice; it enables them to create work that reflects their lives and values. And exhibitions like today’s allow them to share their work with family, friends and the wider public. The artistic life of every society needs all its voices, because we are all enriched by that diversity and by encountering, through art, those whom we might not meet otherwise.
I’m delighted that the Arts Council has supported this project: it has always been a central part of its work to increase access to the arts, and this exhibition shows that commitment today. I know that other partners have been involved, and that many individuals have worked behind the scenes to make this possible: we’re grateful to them all. The Arts Council can only support what others are passionate about creating. I hope that Double Impact will continue to be passionate about the arts for many years to come.
Arts Council England East Midlands website