THE CULTURE VULTURE

Rachel Horton by Marion Botella Photography

RACHEL HORTON, AKA THE CULTURE VULTURE, CELEBRATES RESILIENT AND PASSIONATE CREATIVES AND SPACES

Well what a year 2020 has been; it has felt a bit like accidentally competing in Ninja Warrior whilst everything is also on fire. As The Culture Vulture, someone whose passion and purpose is to champion and celebrate all the lush spaces, places, faces and happenings across the North East, I could not be prouder of the response of creative folx; how resilient, brilliant and innovative everyone has been. The passionate creative people of the North East cultural scene all bring a huge smile to my massive face.

I recently heard an ‘innovation expert’ claim that we’ve done the learning, growing and innovating as creatives that we’d normally achieve in seven years, across 2020! I agree with this – whilst it has been GRAFT, it has also led to amazing new things, pivoting in ways unimaginable, connecting with audiences and fantastic digital events. I’d like to give a special shout out to a few 2020 trailblazers who have thrived in spite of everything.

Gosforth Civic Theatre – Their socially distanced live gigs were brilliant and they’ve invested in special equipment to livestream theatre in the future; watch this space. www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Sunderland Culture – Their commitment to Sunderland freelancers through their digital Unlock Programme has been ace; they’ve offered high quality training and support at an important time. www.sunderlandculture.org.uk

The Spaghetti Factory – These creative lasses have created a glorious regional digital map of street art with QR codes; the urban landscape is one big art gallery! www.spaghettofactoro.weebly.com

Good Strange Vibes / Slutmouth – Two artists with amazing creative products, creating lush social media content; both rays of positivity whilst challenging gender stereotypes and body taboos. www.goodstrangevibes.com / www.slutmouth.co.uk

Mortal Fools – From reimagining their projects with young people, supporting freelancers and building a digital game to support children with anxiety, to their audio theatre experience When The World Is Loud, this theatre company is the definition of achieving great things and supporting their network in 2020. www.mortalfools.org.uk

Check out some of the folx listed and if you know of anyone who has SMASHED this year in spite of the pandemic, tell me on social media via @ theculturevulturene www.facebook.com/theculturevulturene