THE search is on for performing artists in Eden to take to the streets and venues for the first Appleby Live Arts Festival 2003, writes Karen Morley.

Event organisers Joe and Agnieszka Sallis are looking for local talent to take part in the celebration to be held over the weekend of July 4/5.

Secretary of the Appleby Live Arts Management Committee, Agnieszka said: "We hope to raise £20,000 for the budget but, even if we don't reach that target, Appleby will still see a vibrant community event.

"So far we have received a total of £2,000 with £750 coming from Cumbria County Council, £500 from Cumbria Arts in Education, £500 from Westmorland Arts Trust, and £250 from The Frieda Scot Charitable Trust."

Joe and Agnieszka have experience in organising arts festivals and last year built giant puppets and held lantern workshops in co-operation with ECO and co-ordinated the Hallowe'en parade through the centre of Appleby.

Joe said: "The Hallowe'en night was a huge success and the lantern procession attracted around 300 people to the streets of Appleby.

"This showed that the people of the town are interested in becoming involved in events like this. And the town itself is the ideal venue for such a festival."

The working plan for the festival includes a procession through Appleby town centre, incorporating as many artists and members of the public as possible. A programme of performances at Appleby Grammar School by pupils and guest artists is also planned.

"If funding is secured, we plan to hold a series of short lectures introducing contemporary performance art followed by performances from international performance artists," said Joe.

The Appleby Live Arts Management Committee - which includes head of History and Careers at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, Rachel Steels; Appleby Alliance worker, Sue Fell; ECO worker Sue Bennett; poet Dick Frost; and Barbara Slack of Highlights Rural Touring Scheme - has been set up to run the project and ensure this year's festival is not a one-off.

There are plans to hold a battle of the bands' for local youth music groups and an open poetry competition as well as inviting professional poets, circus troupes and street theatre artists to perform in the town.

Tapes should be sent to 5 Granary House, Albert Street, Penrith, CA11 7XA. If you would like to know more about Appleby Live Arts Festival or to get involved contact Joe or Agnieszka on 07817-930743.

May 15, 2003 10:00