Wiltshire Creative launched a new programme to entertain and inspire during the current COVID-19 pandemic, as it is unable to offer live entertainment in its venues.

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE CONNECTS is a distinct mix of creative opportunities – from interviews and behind-the-scenes films, to family activities and support for local artists available free online throughout the summer – and everyone can contribute ideas.

Gareth Machin, Wiltshire Creative’s Artistic Director, said: “Even though Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre are closed and the 2020 Salisbury International Arts Festival cancelled, we know culture has a vital part to play, offering entertainment, perspective and inspiration. While we are busy planning when we can welcome everyone back to our venues, we want to stay connected with our loyal community of audiences, participants and local artists, as well as engage with those at home who may discover us for the first time.”

“WILTSHIRE CREATIVE CONNECTS presents what we do in a new and accessible way, offering the familiar and the new, and bringing them into everyone’s homes.”

Events include Artist of the Week, profiling some of the amazing artists who either live locally or work regularly with Wiltshire Creative. This will begin with a portrait of Mirka Golden-Hann, ceramic artist and Wiltshire Creative’s Head of Visual Arts.

Another regular feature is The Big Interview, an opportunity to enjoy a full-length conversation with personalities who have worked with Wiltshire Creative in the past, on stage or behind the scenes. First guest is Chris Chibnall, writer of Salisbury Playhouse’s hit comedy Worst Wedding Ever. In conversation with Gareth Machin, Chris discusses how he came up with the idea for the play and how it became one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions. Chris’s television work includes creating ITV’s Broadchurch and, currently, Head Writer and Executive Producer of BBC’s Doctor Who.

Reflect and look back at the Extraordinary History of Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury International Arts Festival, as well as the first two years of Wiltshire Creative through interviews, short films and photo galleries.

The acclaimed Take Part department is going online, including regular smARTies fun for under-fives and their families, and Mind the Gap Connects, with creative challenges for older people. Other online creative activities include writing workshops for young people of all ages.

Wiltshire Creative’s Artist Development programme features the local community of artists, including script reading, masterclasses and advice surgeries.

What to Watch is a regular feature when, each weekend, a different member of the Wiltshire Creative team gives tips on the best full-length theatre, performance and art available online.

Looking Ahead previews exciting productions currently in development by Wiltshire Creative, preparing for when the venues can re-open with live entertainment.

Wiltshire Creative want to hear more ideas about what could be included in the WILTSHIRE CREATIVE CONNECTS. Suggestions can be sent to info@wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Details of WILTSHIRE CREATIVE CONNECTS are at www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk or by following Wiltshire Creative on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.