AT THE end of March Farnham Maltings invited South East-based theatre makers to submit applications to receive a commission to create new work ‘right now’ in these extraordinary and difficult times.

Heartened by positive responses to the current crisis – from the balcony singing in Italy, the mass aerobic workouts in Spain to new, digital choir platforms, the Maltings wanted to support exciting, “mischievous” ideas which fully embrace the requirement of social distancing and turn it on its head.

Six projects have been commissioned which will see work take place in Slough, Lewes, Bedfordshire, Newhaven, Bexhill and through West Sussex and East Surrey.

Through these projects the Maltings will engage with more than 3,000 people across the South East. The six commissions will provide paid work to sixteen artists and creative professionals.

The work is not all digital – projects include multi-sensory walking trails, juke box phone-lines, digital creative experiences for learning disabled and a community light installation from windows and doorways.

The work will reach young people in Bexhill and Newhaven, learning disabled adults in East Surrey and West Sussex, young families in Bedfordshire, older adults in Slough and light up the town of Lewes.

“It was our ambition to very quickly introduce some support to artists at this very difficult time and respond in a timely way to those who were keen to keep creating and making for their community,” said Katy Potter, Farnham Maltings’ producer.

“What’s been thrilling about this commissioning project is how it has brought about new conversations and new relationships both between the artists we’re supporting and us here at Farnham Maltings.”

More than 90 applications were received in the first round of commissions.