YSP Media Creative Director Christopher Bevan has been commissioned for a new visual arts project celebrating 50 years of Junction Arts and their work to bring arts to communities in North East Derbyshire.
Working alongside poet and performer Betty Powdrill, the co-created ‘The Stories We Weave’ features an ambitious collection of short poetry films inspired by the voices, memories and experiences of the people who have shaped Junction Arts over the last half century.
As announced by Junction Arts in a press release, the commission forms part of 50 Stories for 50 Years, Junction Arts' year-long heritage programme supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Drawing on stories gathered from communities including Bolsover, Shirebrook, South Normanton, Pinxton and Chesterfield, the project explores the lasting impact of creativity on people's lives. Ten short films are brought together through the symbolic figure of the Willow Weaver, connecting stories across generations through themes of creativity, resilience and community. The films feature performances by sculptor Rachel Carter as The Willow Weaver and actor Adam Horvath as The Archetype, embodying the individuals who have inspired each of the featured stories.
Christopher Bevan commented, “To try to capture 50 years of Junction Arts is to capture the experiences of thousands of people. Collaborating with Betty has allowed us to bring poetry and film together to create something that reflects that shared spirit of creativity and resilience. We’re excited for audiences to experience these stories.”
The Stories We Weave was officially launched at Chesterfield Children's Festival last month through an interactive trail in Queen's Park and a living room installation. Through this, the public had the chance to meet Chris and Beth to learn more about the project as well as take part in the trail. The project will continue to tour throughout 2026, with presentations at Tapton Lock Festival in September and Bright Winter Nights at Bolsover Castle in November.
Projects like 50 Stories for 50 Years reflect an important part of our work to preserve and celebrate heritage, communities and the arts through emotive visual storytelling. Having documented Junction Arts' work and impact over many years, including the RTS Midlands Awards nominated JA40: The Junction Arts Story in 2016, this latest commission to creatively capture the 50th anniversary celebrations is an important milestone.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, 50 Stories for 50 Years intends to create a lasting digital archive preserving the voices of participants, staff, artists, volunteers and communities who have been part of Junction Arts’ story over the past five decades.
Audiences will have another opportunity to experience The Stories We Weave at Tapton Lock Festival on 5th September, followed by Bright Winter Nights later this year in November. To learn more, head to the official Junction Arts press release here and follow @JunctionArtsUK to keep up to date with the latest on 50 Stories for 50 Years. For the latest information about Junction Arts ambitious 50 Stories for 50 Years project, visit: www.junctionarts.org/50stories.
