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Essex Metal hosted a series of dinners across Essex as part of the INSITE cultural tourism programme in 2007 - to create and explore a different way of connecting up the artistic and tourism communities in the region – as well as bringing respected artists from elsewhere in the UK and overseas to the region to talk about work, ideas and opportunities. Artists who talked about their work included, Ackroyd and Harvey, Billy Bragg, Mark Wallinger and David Buckland. When we hosted these dinners, Metal did not have a physical space within Essex – though we knew that we were looking to house an ongoing project in the region, and subsequently found a location that we are now developing at Chalkwell Hall in Southend on Sea. The Venues for the dinners were, Café Pulse, Southend on Sea, Writtle College, Chelmsford, The Gibberd Garden, Harlow and Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester.
“I am writing to thank you all for a wonderful evening at the Gibberd Garden. I was very pleased to be a part of the group, as was my colleague, Sherry Dobbin. While you make it look easy, I know how complex a task it is to gather a good mix of people to ‘produce’ a successful evening.” Eileen Woods, Artistic Director, Gunpowder Park
Many thanks for the invitation to the dinner on Tuesday evening, it was a very pleasant and stimulating evening. Although I am not an ‘arts person’ I have a firm belief that the arts can be a major catalyst in regeneration and economic development and it was great to see that so much is happening in this area and that there is so much potential for the future. “ Andrew Bramidge, Chief Executive, Harlow Renaissance
“Just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you very much for everything last night. I think it went really well and everyone seemed very relaxed. The interaction was really good and they definitely got involved!” Patricia Huertas, Insite
“Thanks so much for a great night last night, it was really good to see the house before the works commence and also to make some really useful contacts. Jill and I really enjoyed the chance to meet your colleagues and guests and to consider how we might move our collaborative work on.” Steve Terry, CADE
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Thank you all so much for such a lovely evening. It was a joy to be in a space where we could talk about ideas, stories and perceptions without having to worry about targets and end products. Having the opportunity to meet so many of my Essex colleagues as well as two artists I respect enormously was enjoyable and valuable.” Felicity Hall, Epping Forest Arts
“Thanks for the invitation - I thought the evening was interesting, with a very wide range of people actually joining in” Bill Dunster, Zedfactory
“Just a quick note to say thanks for all your hospitality last night (both for myself and for Linda) and for an enjoyable and thought provoking evening.” Damien Robinson, artist
“It was good to meet you all and I hope we will be able to continue this approach in some way..” Claire Phillips, Arts Development Officer, Colchester Borough Council
“Thankyou so much for having me to the dinner in Leigh on Tuesday- what a treat to be amongst such a varied and wonderful crowd.” Richard Baxter, artist