the art of looking sideways review

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This year’s subtitle – The Art of Looking Sideways – suggested that all kinds of unexpected goals can be achieved via a roundabout route. It’s a theme that applies frequently to our audience. For some the festival led to returning home and setting up a project, volunteering at a refuge, moving to a poorer part of town, booking in on the Greenbelt visit to Palestine (or campaigning around this key issue), finding faith, questioning belief, downloading this artist or visiting that gallery… In short Greenbelt provokes the unexpected!

So much about Greenbelt is defined by four days in August. Yet for a growing number, Greenbelt means being part of a collective, contributing to, shaping and making the festival; being part of a team throughout the year, planning and plotting… Increasingly it’s this process, with all the cups of tea, shared car rides and conversation, that makes Greenbelt so distinctive.

Reading this review I hope you’ll feel inspired to join in, see the full picture, and become a Greenbelt maker. You can find details at www.greenbelt.org.uk/volunteer

Of course, the feedback isn’t all positive – we’ve always lots to learn. Yet even the occasional indignation about an element of festival site or programme is typically expressed with a loyalty, warmth and enthusiasm for Greenbelt. And despite our rude health Greenbelt always needs loyal, warm-hearted enthusiasts.

2010 had its challenges. We were sad to lose our newly appointed Director Gawain Hewitt. We’re very grateful for all Gawain’s hard work, and recognise that sometimes things don’t work out.

With only a few months to go before the festival two very valuable long-term partners – including the Department for International Development – pulled out of Greenbelt. Both were due to contribute significant content and funding. While staff brilliantly managed this last-minute ordeal, it’s a stark reminder of the tough times we’re in, and the increasingly difficult choices facing partners and associates. It’s one reason I remain so grateful for all the support from our fantastic Greenbelt Angels. More than ever, your financial giving continues to be critical, sustaining Greenbelt. If you meant to sign up as an Angel, please visit greenbelt.org.uk/angels

Despite the challenge our volunteers and staff team, partners and associates assembled a stunning festival, propelled by a compelling sense of vision and direction.

And in 2010, inspired by the work of trustees and staff looking at our vision, mission and values, Greenbelt began to work with partners and associates, artists and activists to host events throughout the year. Always collaborative, it began with a flurry of book launches, a mini tour, support for Solas – a festival inspired by Greenbelt in Scotland – and events in London. Greenbelt is exploring how this could develop. We’re excited about all the creative possibilities this presents for partners, volunteers and audiences.

Of course, Greenbelt remains the festival. On behalf of trustees, a big thank you to racecourse manager Edward Gillespie, and all our Greenbelt volunteers and staff, our partners and associates – for all the imagination and hard work that makes Greenbelt a festival that’s far more than a festival.

Andy Turner, Festival Chair

I’m finding this small question can provoke big answers. From a random sample of post-festival conversations, Greenbelt 2010 was a place to meet old friends, see a new artist, hear an innovative band, listen to a challenging mix of speakers, make useful contacts or inspire a change of mind, or job, or vocation.

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how was your greenbelt?

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Greenbelt 2010 had it all – a celebratory party where philosophy was as important as the bands who were playing; an event which embraced adult contemplation and a childlike playfulness with equal importance. Newcomers were convinced – politician Clare Short wrote that she was “deeply impressed by the mood and spirit of the festival”, and comedian Robin Ince said “People here are very questioning, not merely of other people, but of their own thoughts and beliefs too. It’s a very thoughtful festival”.

Talks from Richard Rohr, Nicola Slee, Stanley Hauerwas, Mark Yaconelli, Peter Tatchell and the aforementioned Clare Short, alongside lively panel discussions including contributors from right across the programme, ensured that theology, political activism, social justice, and issues of local and global importance were contemplated by huge crowds.

The breadth of the worship programme gave a huge number of other options for those looking to explore this world and any beyond it – with the new venue Abide looking at spirituality and ecology, a Mass inspired by beat poetry, a full day of jazz worship, and the Silent Pilgrimage illuminating the site with audio worship beamed to wireless headphones. And as the centrepoint of the worshipping weekend, the Sunday Communion brought the festival together in a shower of confetti, belted-out hymns, and a moving closing dedication by Kate Coleman.

The Mainstage saw musical pyrotechnics as well, with the soulful power of Beverley Knight, Britpop legends Shed Seven, and the masterful talents of jazz supremo Courtney Pine leading the way. When Monday night headliner Gil Scott-Heron pulled out earlier that day, the festival looked like it might not have a suitably climactic act to round off the festival, until the combination of an extra set by multi-talented Foy Vance and the rousing anthems of the King Blues satisfied those who had Kept Monday Special. There was a stronger than ever lineup in the Underground, and the Performance Cafe was as special as ever, with acoustic sets from mainstage acts, and a huge raft of new talent.

the art of looking sidewaysgreenbelt festival 2010

The art of looking sideways 98 Greenbelt Review 2010

Is it something about the particular environmental conditions across the racecourse that produces such spectacular rainbows? Or something more significant? Whatever your take on it, the heavy rain of Wednesday and Thursday gave way to glorious conditions for Greenbelt 2010, heralded by that splash of colour against the Gloucestershire countryside.

David Morrissey and Emma Wee from CAST were gently interrogated by Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode, before Mark took to the stage at the Rockabilly Grand Ball with The Dodge Brothers. Other big names included Jeremy Hardy, presenting his film about Gaza; and James Wood, Tom Hollander, and (briefly) Olivia Colman, speaking about hit sitcom Rev.

Comedy was well-served, with brilliant shows by Milton Jones, the wonderful Jude Simpson, and the irrepressible Robin Ince. Robin also appeared on a panel with a highlight from the Visual Arts programme Bobby Baker, whose exhibition of drawings was a must-see. Other notable Visual Arts exhibitions included the weird and wonderful Water Piano by Holly Yoon, plus exhibitions of photography, jewellery and craft.

The Youth programme was housed in a tented village this year, with three venues containing workshops, performances and panel discussions with speakers from the main Talks programme, plus the ever-popular Skate Park and the XLP Mobile Studio – a recording studio in the back of an old police riot van.

The Arena was given over to all-age activities, with human table football and juggling workshops taking place alongside craft sessions and open-air dance classes.

Plus this year, for the first time, we had a dedicated TV Studio, recording clips of speakers and performers at the festival, due to be released on the Greenbelt website over the next year.

And we haven’t even mentioned the children’s festival, classical concerts, Messy Space, yoga classes, brilliant food, and better friends; all the moments of exuberance and contemplation that makes each Greenbelt so special.

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Uniquely for events of Greenbelt’s size, we provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved in all areas of the festival, allowing people to use the skills they have, or try something new. All ages and abilities volunteer, and work together in teams to learn from each others’ skills, and – in a very real sense – make it happen.

This year, there was a particular focus on improving role descriptions, with a new volunteer website giving prospective volunteers more information about the huge range of roles available. And this paid off, with 200 more volunteers this year.

But more than that, this year’s festival was filled with happy volunteers – each with a great sense of achievement that they are doing something worthwhile.

greenbelt.org.uk/volunteer

I really enjoyed meeting lots of people and getting to see Greenbelt behind the scenes. I loved being involved.Janet

Time out from the rest of my life; a change proved as good as a rest.Simon

I just love coming back to such warm friendships, year after year…Graham

Volunteering was a great way to come to the festival alone – and yet not be aloneSheila

volunteers

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United under the banner ‘Making it happen’, more than 1,700 people volunteered for Greenbelt throughout the year – preparing and planning, processing applications and recruiting, before the traditional flurry of activity over the festival weekend.

Around 15% of our income comes from the people who donate, people that we call Angels, and their giving facilitates every aspect of the festival – from booking bands to enabling our volunteers; from hiring big tops to renting portaloos.

With more Angels signing up this year than previously, we’re pleased as punch that people want to donate their money – in these times of financial uncertainty – to allow Greenbelt’s work to continue. Our Angels also do stunning work at the festival from their base in the Angel Lounge in G-Source, where they offer information with a friendly face and encourage others to join the throng. This year, we also dedicated the popular Performance Cafe to the Angels – giving a little recognition back that we really couldn’t do this without them.

The Trustees welcome all new Angels, and herald those that have supported us for a longer time. Huge thanks to all Angels for their continuing support, and we look forward to sharing another exciting festival year with them throughout 2011.

greenbelt.org.uk/angels

angels

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Scores of families, couples and individuals give to Greenbelt each month, or through one-off donations, to protect an organisation and an event which stirs great devotion in a great number of people.

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In 2009/10 we supported fourteen amazing projects, which demonstrated the ethos of Greenbelt all year round – transforming communities using the arts, inspired by faith and working for justice both in the UK and worldwide.

Projects have included film, exhibiting art, a community festival, dance, music, photography, group support, craft and sport, working with and involving children, young people and families, with homeless people, with refugees, with people with disabilities, in the poorest communities in the UK, and with marginalized minority groups. Lives have been changed as a result of these gifts.

Trust Greenbelt also supports Bait Al Thaqafa, a centre for arts work with children in Gaza. We’ve been working with them, in association with Christian Aid, to guarantee that your money goes directly to those most in need of creative expression. The children have been using photography, painting, drama and puppetry to speak about their lives, and to communicate the importance of children’s rights in Palestine.

greenbelt.org.uk/trust

The Recovery Channel is a film project by those who have suffered homelessness and addiction. Trust Greenbelt has enabled people to have a voice that otherwise may easily be drowned out.Stephen Armstrong, Spitalfields Crypt Trust

Thanks to support from Trust Greenbelt, the film to be released next year will benefit from a first class soundtrack that mirrors the emotional journey of the film’s narrative, making a huge difference to the final film.Leila Sansour, Road to Bethlehem

We support families in one of the most deprived wards in the country, providing parenting courses, family days out and pamper nights for Mums. The support we give would be so much more limited without the money from Trust Greenbelt.Rich and Emma Newby, Hull Youth for Christ

trust greenbelt

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Trust Greenbelt is the gift of festivalgoers both at the Communion Service during the weekend and online throughout the year.

In all the conversations that the Just Peace team had, it was quite striking how the issue has moved on. People seemed to be much more aware of the issues – like the occupation of the West Bank, the incursions of the separation wall, and the illegal settlements.

It was much more “What can we do?” than “What is this all about?” People seemed to understand that the campaign is not seeking to support one group over another – it is not pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli – but to draw attention to the fact that the governmental policy of one country is abusing the human rights of another, in terms of restriction of movement, occupation of land, and unequal distribution of the key resources for life.

This is a crucial time, with President Obama trying to get the Peace talks started again while the illegal settlements continue to be built. We believe it is right that Greenbelt’s campaign has highlighted the need for peace and justice for all who live in the Holy Land.

See greenbelt.org.uk/campaign for the latest updates.

Martin Evans Chair, Greenbelt Just Peace campaign

campaign

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At Greenbelt 2010, the Just Peace campaign, which is focused on a fair and just solution to the current action in the Holy Land, featured a 26ft high wall and a series of ‘If Greenbelt was Gaza’ structures around the festival site, aiming to make an impact on the consciousness of the Greenbelt festivalgoer.

Christian Aid’s venue this year housed a Tax Maze – illustrating perfectly the billion-dollar cost of tax dodging to developing countries – alongside their fairtrade coffee shop, fun-filled pub quiz and the ever-popular Divine chocolate demonstration.

We were delighted to welcome the Methodist Church to Greenbelt for the first time, and with their focus on justice issues and passion for practical and thoughtful outworking of faith, they were the ideal organisation to sponsor our new talks venue – Galilee.

Our associates had a productive time this year too – Church Urban Fund hosted the workshops, panels and discussions in the Kitchen; the YMCA 24 Hour Cafe continued to be a cornerstone of the festival, accompanied by the harmonious melodies of the TenSing choir; and Church Times and ThirdWay again lent their support to the Jerusalem and Festival Bowl venues, as well as hosting a new exhibition of Dave Walker’s cartoons in their own venue.

Grateful thanks also to Divine, Ebico, Bible Society, Livability, Mothers’ Union, Traidcraft, and Habitat for Humanity for their sponsorship and support around the festival.

partners & associates

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Greenbelt’s Partners, Associates and Sponsors continue to play a vital role in supporting the festival’s work and ethos, and we’re proud and privileged to work alongside such a fine team of organisations, headed up by long-term partners Christian Aid, and our newest friends the Methodist Church.

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people

PatronThe Most Rev and Rt Hon Rowan Williams

TrusteesChair Andy TurnerVice chair Jason BarnettTreasurer Jonathan SmithCompany secretary Paul BennettandEsther BakerJenny BakerJason BarnettGaynor BradshawDavid CullenSimon HallAbi HewittJude LevermoreKaren Napier Dot ReidPaul WilsonPip WilsonMartin Wroe

StaffHead of content Rachel StringerHead of operations Karen StaffordHead of communications & business developmentPhil SmithDevelopment managerJo BegaProgramme co-ordinatorMatt StoneCommunications & commercial co-ordinatorTom DaviesOffice & volunteers co-ordinatorLinda WatsonBox office managerPeter KingFinance managerLynne Greaves

Angels administratorGill HewittWith special thanks toBeki BatesonNive HallGawain HewittOffice supportJessica Bowles Richard BirkettJules Campbell Lucy Coates Simon King Stephen King Dan MacArthur Rachel Matthews Rachel MillerJenny Newbold Margaret PriceBen RobsonNikki SpurrChild protection administratorJudith CastledineChildren’s administrator Niki WhitfieldHRRebecca Rumsey Lynwen Plowman

Business and FinanceLiz CurranChris Knight

Programme GroupMichael AndersonEsther BakerBen EdsonEmma GosdenPeter GunstoneSue Harvey-SmithDerek HillJem Maynard-WattsHelen MorantHarry NapierKari StewartBen WhitehousePippa Wragg-Smith

A special thanks to Edward Gillespie

Festival Operations Julie AndersonMark AvisClaire BarberJo BeecroftAdam BondAdam BrailsfordLiz ChapmanNick CockingRob CotterillSarah DickensJohn DormerDoggitStick DowningShaun FilleryGayle FindlayMartin FineyAndy ForsterNicola HambridgeNick Hardman Jane HenstockNick HenstockJames HollandAndrew MarshallIan MillerMerlinSally MillsMountieChris PattersonSally PattersonJon PayneZoe PilboroughKaren RadcliffeStuart RadcliffeRectorHelen RolfeGeorge RydingMartin ShortMatthew ShortBeki ShortNick SingletonGeoff SticklerTamsin VellaMaria WaltersSteevi WardenZippie

Credits as at the 2010 Festival

Greenbelt Festivals Ltd83 London WallLondon EC2M 5ND

www.greenbelt.org.ukinfo@greenbelt.org.ukPhone 020 7374 2760Fax 020 7374 2731

Registered charity no 289372Limited company no 1812893VAT no 404596647

Annual ReviewWordsTom DaviesDesign Wilf Whitty / RatiotypePhotographyElaine DuigenanStuart KeeganDrew McLellanStefan MetzlerAndy StonehouseJonathon WatkinsAlison Whitlock