year in review 2010/11
Welcome home
Greenbelt is more than just a festival. We operate around the year, planning and preparing for that weekend in August, but also reaching more widely - making an impact in communities the length and breadth of the UK, and even further afield. The Greenbelt Year In Review gathers together all of this activity in one handy document. In doing so, it points forward to our activity next year, and - waiting not too far behind that - 2013, which will mark 40 consecutive years of our celebration of faith, arts and justice.
What a dream
Greenbelt grabbed me years ago, and it wasn’t even at the festival. It was when a biker on a Stockport council estate gave me a tape recorded at Greenbelt. I realised what I’d been missing. Not only a brilliant talk, but also a space to question, think, develop and explore. I couldn’t wait for the next festival, an impossible-to-miss annual destination. I’d found a home. This year’s theme – Dreams of Home – provided a powerful motif to explore contrasting experiences of home. It was also a reminder that Greenbelt inspires art and vocation, and continues to provide a sort of homecoming. Increasingly, it isn’t just the festival weekend that provides this. For some of you it’s the involvement, being part of a team, helping to make Greenbelt. From volunteers assembling much of the programme to those volunteering back stage to ensure a slick, secure, site operation. In 2011 it’s been great to see an increase in people accessing volunteering opportunities via our website. (Inspired to get involved? Go to greenbelt.org.uk/volunteers to find out more.) Early in 2011 we welcomed Eleanor Mottram as Programme Coordinator and Paul Northup as Head of Content. Both worked with the Programming Group to secure arguably our most ambitious festival lineup with highlights including the Unthanks, Ron Sexsmith, Mavis Staples, Billy Bragg, Ockham’s Razor, Brian McLaren and Stella Duffy. In addition to the festival, in April we were excited to collaborate with Rob Bell on a sell-out tour to launch his bestseller Love Wins, one night of which was organised in collaboration with our partners at the Methodist Church. With partners and associates we will continue to develop opportunities beyond the festival that highlight our impossible-to-miss annual destination. As part of this ambition, this year we obtained funding and in August welcomed Becky Smith as Youth Participation Coordinator. In 2012 and beyond, Becky will be pioneering new work with young people
alongside our partners and associates. It’s been a busy year for Greenbelt trustees. In 2011 we completed vital work to agree our vision, mission and values. Informed by insights from our Just Peace Campaign Group we agreed changes to our charitable objects that enable us to more effectively align ourselves to human rights causes. We agreed to support a boycott of goods and services produced on land in Israel-Palestine occupied by illegal settlements. We began a process – to conclude in 2012 – to agree our artistic vision. For the first time we also advertised across our audience and volunteers (via our email Dispatches) to recruit two new trustees and a new Company Secretary. Throughout the year Jenny Baker provided outstanding management and support as Acting Director. Jenny moved on in October after overseeing her second festival. Others who moved on in 2011 include trustees Simon Hall and Paul Bennett and Programme Coordinator Matt Stone. In July we were pleased to appoint Paul Northup as our new Greenbelt Director. Paul has an exciting vision for Greenbelt, for the festival and for those opportunities beyond. More than ever, in tough times we depend on Angels, those who give financially to help sustain Greenbelt. If you haven’t already, please join us – become an Angel. Visit greenbelt.org.uk/angels. Finally, on behalf of trustees a big thank you to Cheltenham Racecourse manager Edward Gillespie and all of Greenbelt’s volunteers and staff, Angels, partners and associates – for all those imagining and creating our impossible-to-miss destination – Greenbelt.
Andy Turner Chair of Trustees
Dreams of home Greenbelt festival 2011
Anticipation of the festival began early this year, with lineup news from the Greenbelt office sparking reaction from both hardened festival veterans and curious newcomers alike. Was this the strongest lineup ever? And could it possibly live up to the hype? In the end, Greenbelt 2011 lived up to it – and more – with audiences enjoying the (no pun intended) grandstanding performances from friends of the festival both fresh and familiar, as well as those smaller, more intimate moments of wonder Greenbelt conjures so effortlessly. This was a festival to cherish. Whether it was our enormous new Big Top, stuffed full of 3,000 people to hear outspoken comedian Mark Thomas tell tales of his walk along the Israeli Separation Wall, or gospel legend Mavis Staples with the Mainstage crowd in the palm of her hand; whether it was a Wild Rumpus parade of children and parents in hand-crafted monster masks, or moments of quiet contemplation high above the racecourse in Soul Space; whether it was Paula Gooder asking impossible questions to a packed Grandstand, or Rob Bell beguiling an audience from Mainstage, or a knowledgeable panel of experts discussing the financial dire straits we are in; there was creativity and passion, insight and reflection in every corner of the bunting-bedecked site. With a renewed focus on the provision for families and children, some remarked on how the festival felt richer somehow, more like one big family. The Village was the new home for children’s programming onsite, with returning venues like Messy Space taking a new form and new venues - like the incredibly popular Make and Take craft tents - giving children and families more to do than ever before. A welcome addition to the festivals of both junior and senior Greenbelters was the Playhouse; home to family fun in the day (Elmer The Elephant and The Mousehole Cat being particular highlights), and in the evening, a theatre space for storytelling and high-class performance like George Dillon’s retelling of the Gospel of Matthew and Ben Moor’s captivating Coelacanth.
It was all go in the Youth programme with enormously successful sessions of Cake & Debate, and visits by Rend Collective, Hope & Social and LZ7 to the Acoustic Cafe. With our new Youth Participation Coordinator Becky Smith now in role, there will be more opportunities for young people to get involved across the organisation for forthcoming festivals, and beyond. As always, the Communion service brought together all aspects of the Greenbelt family in a joyful, unique act of worship. With the raising of a rainbowcoloured fan of ribbons providing a central moment of collaboration and spectacle, the music served up by a London gospel choir and a hollering New York preacher, and 10,000 people giving and receiving bread and wine, it’s important to remember the uniqueness of our festival. 2011 was also notable for returning contributors getting even more involved in the festival. Following a brilliant headlining set on Mainstage, Billy Bragg took part in other sessions on site, including a remarkable session looking into Criminal Justice, and introducing Leon Walker, a graduate of his Jail Guitar Doors project. This session introduced themes we will continue to consider in 2012 and beyond, with a focus on debating the issues involved in criminal justice and prison reform. And that’s before we even mention world-class performances from Candoco Dance Company and Ockham’s Razor, thrilling Mainstage sets by headliners Idlewild and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, incisive talks from Brian McLaren and Phyllis Tickle, and the Big Top used as a home for everything from a brilliant spoken word showcase to the unique jazz of Arun Ghosh. As we look towards 2012, it’s clear that Greenbelt’s festival is in great shape - with inspiring artists brought together with the activists who are making a difference in the world. It can be a place for us to re-focus our lives, to be transported by the universal language of art, to be the change in our communities, and to get a fresh glimpse of the divine at the heart of it all.
Volunteers
Greenbelt received an abundance of applications to volunteer this year. Around 1650 volunteers gave their time and talents to make the 2011 festival happen and almost all of our eighty teams were full. Many of our volunteers return every summer and enjoy developing their skills and experience. We’re also delighted to welcome many new volunteers each year - and this year we had plenty of opportunities for them to get involved. We’ve worked hard to provide support and training to our volunteer team leaders who spend a lot of time planning and preparing during the year. We’ve improved on communication with all of our volunteers to ensure that they’re better prepared for the roles that they take on. We are indebted to our volunteers for working with us to create an outstanding festival. Greenbelt represents a great achievement for each and every one of them. Thank you. greenbelt.org.uk/volunteer
I loved the feeling of making a positive and useful contribution to the festival. It was great to work with other volunteers. Martin
We all got on well together, with no problems. There was a good mix of different ages and experience in our team. Joan
I really felt at home in the team. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Alex
I loved every minute of it! Greenbelt was a richer experience for being a part of a team. Kathryn
We all listened to each others ideas and worked really well as a team. Josh
I received training which helped me deal with some awkward situations. All the resources I asked for were supplied and it was good to have regular contact with Greenbelt staff. Rob
We have a fantastic team leader who was a great help to us all. I felt appreciated and got lots of positive feedback. Becky I really felt more of a part of the festival this year by being involved as a first-time volunteer. It was great to meet so many new people and I enjoying being part of a team. Matt
I felt much more confident in my volunteer role this year so really enjoyed being in a busier area. Lucy
Trust Greenbelt
Trust Greenbelt provides funding - from the generous gifts of the festival community - to fantastic and innovative projects which work to transform local communities both in the UK and overseas. The collection at the Greenbelt Sunday Service goes to Trust Greenbelt, and this year raised an amazing ÂŁ44,713 plus Gift Aid for great projects around the world. In 2010/11 grants were awarded to seventeen projects which reflect the ethos and spirit of the festival, combining faith, arts and justice, working in music, theatre, visual arts, dance, film, language, story-telling, literature, campaigning and education. Projects have benefited children, young people, families, community groups, homeless and marginalised people, those with disabilities, those living under threat, in extreme poverty and as refugees. Each grant, large and small has made an enormous difference. greenbelt.org.uk/trust
The money that Trust Greenbelt has given CAST is going towards a film project working with young Palestinian teenagers. It will enable us to buy cameras that will be left in the community and teach these students how to film their own stories. Emma Wee, CAST The funding we received has gone into the Mix Festival and has allowed us to become more visible in the community. This year we will also involve local charities and give them a display space and a “soap box” to raise awareness of their work. It has also allowed us to involve our young people in the leadership and planning of the festival, taking them through an accreditation award “Volunteering at an event”. Claire Camm, Emerge, Swindon UK This is one of the few projects where children in the Gaza Strip are raising issues concerning their own safety and security as well as challenging the responsible parties. It is the children themselves who are raising the issues and trying to find solutions. Culture and Free Thought Association, CFTA
Trust Greenbelt kindly provided money to finance the installation of solar power into the school in Uganda. Power is essential for students to study for vital exams as they need to work before dawn and into the night. Previously when they could afford it they used an oil lamp but with the solar power they can study without expense and without risk of fire. Gerry Hambridge, Primary School and Orphan care project, Uganda Thank you Trust Greenbelt for your kind donation which will help towards giving voice to the Khmer people. Martin Neil, Voices from the Nations project in Cambodia The lives of individuals as well as youth culture - not only in Poland but also in other countries of Eastern and Western Europe - were influenced with Christian worldview as an antidote against secularisation, materialism, hedonism or apathy. Martina Horyza, Slot Festival, Poland
Angels
Campaign
Greenbelt is a charity, and we work to bring together arts, faith and justice in spaces where questions can be asked, issues can be debated and the joys of life can be celebrated. All of the great work that takes place at the festival and throughout the year would be impossible to imagine without the regular and one-off donations of our Angels families, partners and individuals who recognise the importance of Greenbelt and its work. In 2011, Greenbelt Angels once again provided around 15% of our income, contributing to all the important things that come together to make a brilliant festival - from a humble portaloo to an evenbigger Big Top; from meals for our volunteers, to the services of the biggest names on our bill. And despite the global financial climate, with belts being tightened all over the world, it was hugely heartening to welcome many new Angels to the throng this year - making the festival’s finances a little more secure, and ensuring that Greenbelt’s work will continue to develop and grow in the years to come. Once again, the Angels had a strong presence onsite, with the Angel Lounge in the G-Source a hive of activity, and the Performance Cafe for the second year being dedicated to our loyal supporters. We also unveiled the new Angel film on the Mainstage screen, which got the Angels message out loud and proud to all festivalgoers. The Board of Trustees welcome all new Angels, and are grateful to those continuing to support the festival through tough times. We look forward to sharing another exciting year with all of our Angels in 2012. Just watch us fly!
2011 marked the final year of our three-year Just Peace campaign, highlighting the injustice in the Holy Land and the unfair and illegal treatment of the Palestinian people. The campaign’s aim was to raise awareness and get ordinary Greenbelters involved in the simple facts of a complex situation, using the festival’s focus on the exploratory power of the arts to unlock the realities of the situation on the ground for people in the region. Just Peace activity throughout the year included a trip of Greenbelt festivalgoers, volunteers and staff to the Holy Land - meeting people on both sides of the Israeli Separation Barrier, and learning about the impact that increased security in the region has had upon ordinary Palestinian and Israeli families. The end of the formal three-year campaign will not signal the end of Greenbelt’s interest and involvement in the region. We will continue our active interest taking people to see the situation for themselves in regular trips to the Holy Land, as well as profiling content every festival, to stimulate debate and keep our festivalgoers in-the-loop with developments on the ground. As the three-year campaign draws to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our enthusiastic and hardworking Campaign team - they will continue to be involved with our friends at Amos Trust and their Just Peace For Palestine campaign. And in 2012, we begin a new focus. With issues of prison reform raised by contributors such as Billy Bragg and Synergy Theatre Project over the past few years, Greenbelt will be looking into the issues of how we treat criminals in our society. Is it right to lock up young offenders, or does it simply create a cycle of worsening crime and disaffected youth? Are there better ways of integrating those who have gone astray back into our communities? And what role can faith have in modelling how we should treat those on the margins of society, achieving fairness and justice for all? It’s a fascinating area, and we look forward to exploring it with you in the coming years...
greenbelt.org.uk/angels
greenbelt.org.uk/campaign
365
Partners and associates
Over the past few years, we’ve been exploring how Greenbelt can engage in arts, faith and justice throughout the year - and not just over the August Bank Holiday. In 2010, this idea began to take shape as we invested time and resources in a stronger presence online - most notably through our blog and social media activity. But all the while, conversations were taking place about a bigger initiative - perhaps further events throughout the year, or other ways of getting more of the goodness of the festival out of our weekend on the racecourse. At the outset of this year, the momentum stepped up a gear as we committed to organising a UK tour in April for the US speaker Rob Bell, who had previously been such a hit at the 2009 festival. Over four dates, we travelled 500 miles around the UK as 5,000 people met Rob and heard about his new book Love Wins, a provocative and inspirational book about “heaven, hell and the fate of every person who ever lived”. Outside of the festival itself, the Rob Bell tour was the most successful initiative the festival has been involved in for quite some time, with huge numbers of people - both existing Greenbelters and some new audiences - experiencing the organisation’s unique access to thinkers, speakers and contributors making a difference and causing a stir. As we look forward, you can expect to see us engage in more year-round activities, as we put more flesh on the bones of what it means for Greenbelt to be more than an annual event. 2012 promises to be a year in which Greenbelt begins to make more and more sense outside the four days of the festival itself.
Greenbelt continues to be supported by our partners, associates and sponsors - organisations that believe in our work and values, and play a vital role both at the festival and throughout the year. Christian Aid hosted a lively programme at this year’s festival in their rainforest-themed café. Alongside thought-provoking music and talks, and their ever-popular fair trade coffee shop, they demonstrated to festivalgoers the effects of climate change on their work around the world. Back in Galilee for the second year, the Methodist Church ran a broad programme of seminars and networking events under the theme of Whole Life, as well as - elsewhere in the festival - running a highly successful film school for young people. We were also delighted to host the highly acclaimed Methodist Collection of Modern Christian Art. Church Times, our newest partner, moved into their new home this year - G-Books - where they hosted signings as well as offering a wide selection of titles from Greenbelt speakers and more besides. Church Times also supported the production and printing of an onsite newspaper, linking up young journalists with professional mentors to make a brilliantly professional product. We are also working all year round with Church Times on reviews and promotions. Long term associates Church Urban Fund returned to the Kitchen for a second year, where their passion for tackling issues of UK poverty resonated with the workshops, panels and discussions held there. New associates The Children’s Society, BibleLands and Bible Society shared our Dreams of Home in their first years at Greenbelt – with the Children’s Society making their home in the Village, BibleLands sponsoring the Talks venue Bethlehem, and the Bible Society presenting the film programme and other events over the weekend. We are also grateful to Livability, Mothers’ Union, Traidcraft, Yeomans and the Salvation Army for their sponsorship and support around the festival. greenbelt.org.uk/partners
Greenbelt 2012 Saving Paradise 24 – 27 August Cheltenham Racecourse Patron The Rt Rev Rowan Williams Trustees Chair Andy Turner Vice Chair Jason Barnett & Martin Wroe Treasurer Jonathan Smith Gaynor Bradshaw, David Cullen, Abi Hewitt, Jude Levermore, Karen Napier, Dot Reid, Paul Wilson, Pip Wilson, Esther Baker Company Secretary Peter Driver With thanks to Jenny Baker, Paul Bennett Simon Hall Staff Director Paul Northup Head of Operations Karen Stafford
Head of Business and Communications Phil Smith Development Manager Jo Bega Finance Manager Lynne Greaves Box Office Manager Peter King Programme Coordinator Eleanor Mottram Communications & Advertising Coordinator Tom Davies Office & Volunteers Coordinator Linda Watson Youth Participation Coordinator Becky Smith With special thanks to Jenny Baker, Gill Hewitt, Matt Stone
Greenbelt Festivals Ltd 83 London Wall London EC2M 5ND info@greenbelt.org.uk www.greenbelt.org.uk 020 7374 2755 A company incorporated in England & Limited by Guarantee No. 1812893 Registered as a Charity No. 289372 VAT No. 404596647