Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cornwall Arts Scheme Celebrates 25 Years of Rural Magic
Cornwall Arts Scheme Celebrates 25 Years of Rural Magic
26 Sep
Summary
- Creative Kernow's Carn to Cove scheme marks 25 years of bringing arts to Cornwall.
- The initiative has reached 4,500 audience members and worked with over 2,300 artists.
- Carn to Cove served as a model for similar arts schemes across Europe.
A significant milestone was recently marked as Cornwall's rural arts scheme, Carn to Cove, celebrated 25 years of operation. This initiative, run by Creative Kernow, brings professional performances including dance, theatre, comedy, and music to village halls and community venues across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The anniversary event was attended by founders, promoters, and performers who have been integral to its success.
Since its inception, Carn to Cove has engaged approximately 4,500 audience members and supported over 2,300 artists. Its founders expressed pride in the scheme's longevity and its ambition to reach every neighbourhood. The program's origins trace back to a period of strong arts funding in the late 1990s and early 2000s, evolving from a pilot project to a county-wide scheme.
The scheme's impact extends beyond Cornwall, as it has been a model for developing similar rural touring initiatives in several European countries. This international recognition highlights its success in making arts accessible. Furthermore, Carn to Cove has provided vital opportunities for local artists, offering a viable career path within theatre and music-making.
Reflecting on the scheme's human element, founders recalled instances of performers staying with local hosts, fostering unique connections and sharing global perspectives with Cornwall. This aspect has been crucial in introducing the world to Cornwall and Cornwall to the world, creating a vibrant cultural exchange.
