Silverwing

Silverwing has been inspired by Sir Peter Scott and his ambition to set up the Wetlands & Wildfowl Trust. Site visits to Washington Wetland Centre have involved researching birds species and their environments, collecting sound and video recordings and experimenting with photography.

Further investigations into their needs for survival raised key themes including; captivity and freedom, vulnerability and conservation and what does it mean ‘to survive?’ What are the parallels between their lives and ambitions and our own?

Information

Produced
2010
First performance
Newcastle Arts Centre (Theatre Space)
Commission / Funders
Northern Rock, Mediabox, Newcastle City Council, Thomas Bewick School, Arts Award

Before I started coming to Skimstone and visiting the Washington Wetland Centre, I wasn't really keen on wildlife, now I like it since we've been doing this project. I feel like I know more.
- Carlene
“Silverwing was a creative and imaginative project that enabled all participants to think from a bird’s perspective. The multi-dimentional arts programme enabled individuals to play a part in shaping poems and songs, videos and digital stills to mix and merge together. The climax of the participation was a magnificent performance of music and word exhibition and film. A living testament to the power of art to liberate people.”
- Canon Stephen Taylor