This month the Northampton Arts Council was pleased to grant two BJ Goodwin Memorial Fund Awards to local artists: Serious Play Theatre Ensemble of Northampton for their Edinburgh Fringe Performance Exchange and Max Wareham of Northampton for the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom and study at the world-class folk arts center The Cecil Sharp House.
The Board of Directors of the Northampton Arts Council, Inc, on the recommendation of the BJ Goodwin Memorial Fund committee, voted to award Serious Play Theatre Ensemble, $1,000 and Max Wareham, $750 in support of these invaluable opportunities.
About Serious Play Theatre Ensemble: For the SERIOUS PLAY! THEATRE ENSEMBLE theatre is a potent art form. We work collaboratively to seek the truth in each dramatic moment by creating a physical form of expression that engages audiences in a fresh new way, as a true theatrical celebration! We challenge ourselves to explore our individual histories, creativity and voices and to fuse our experiences into powerful theatre with strong contemporary messages through “total physical expressiveness on stage.” We hope to revitalize American theatre and attract audiences back to the magic of the live moment.
About Max Wareham: Max Wareham’s voice is always about to break, warbling and true. Known primarily as bassist in psychedelic-pop-rock band Sun Parade, and contributing songwriter to studio-collective Cousin Moon, his solo work is influenced by British folk music, early country music, astronauts, ancestors, deep-sea divers, and Medieval English poetry
Created in 2003 after BJ Goodwin’s passing, this fund has provided support for valley based artists to travel, exhibit, learn and perform all over the world. Since 2004 artists have travelled to Austria, Israel, Scotland and Sweden to perform theatrical and dance works, record music and exhibit installations in galleries. The BJ Goodwin fund has supported touring musicians including And The Kids, Sun Parade and Boy Harsher in their travels across the United States. Closer to home the fund has provided assistance for the 2008 Storefront Art project using empty storefronts for artist space.
For over a decade the BJ Goodwin Fund has provided artists with the support necessary to bring their work out in the world and helps provide affirmation and recognition for both them and the Northampton arts community they call home. This memorial fund is very unique and should not be thought to replace funding that can be found in the traditional ARTSEZ spring and MCC/LCC fall grant rounds to artists and arts organizations.
The Northampton Arts Council, Inc. always accepts donations from the community towards the continued building of this endowed fund. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
