On the morning of Monday 25th November 2019, Herefordshire-based media charity Rural Media are set to host a Royal Visit from HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO Prince Edward, in a fantastic opportunity to put the creative cultural and heritage work of Herefordshire on the map.
Rural Media is a regional hub for culture, creativity and digital expression, working creatively to engage isolated communities and young people in Herefordshire and beyond.
His Royal Highness, accompanied by Lady Darnley, Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, will be arriving to the Rural Media offices 25th November 2019, for a tour of the studios and a chance to meet key project funders and commissioners who have made the inspirational work of Rural Media possible over the last 27 years. Visitors will also meet project leaders and participants of:
– Big Wig – Rural Media’s recent project with The Herefordshire Museum Service, The Little Princess Trust and local high schools Ayelstone and Bishop Of Hereford’s Bluecoat school funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
– New Creatives – a two-year national programme with BBC Arts and Arts Council England to discover and showcase diverse young talent (16-30) through the creation of high-quality, bold and original moving image, audio and interactive artworks. As the Midlands partner, Rural Media is overseeing the creation of 36 moving image, 60 audio and 4 interactive/immersive works from Midlands-based creatives.
– Herefordshire’s A Great Place – The Great Place project aims to empower communities to redefine and celebrate what makes Herefordshire a great place, while championing and strengthening the vital role culture and heritage plays in a rural county’s social and economic future. This project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
– Traveller’s Times – The Travellers’ Times is one of Rural Media’s long-term projects. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, it delivers media skills training and publishes a national print and online magazine by Gypsy and Traveller community journalists for all to enjoy. This high-quality platform celebrates Gypsy, Roma & Traveller culture as well as challenging stereotypes, negative media representation and supporting campaigns.
– Nic Millington, Rural Media CEO said: “We’re thrilled to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Edward to our Rural Media offices and studios in Hereford. We’ve worked tirelessly over the years to produce creative film, media and digital art that strengthens communities, supports new talent and influences social change and we couldn’t be more proud to have a visit by the Earl of Wessex to our creative cultural and heritage hub. We look forward to showcasing current work and raising the profile of some of our local, regional and national projects; Big Wig, Herefordshire’s a Great Place, BBC New Creatives, and Travellers’ Times.”
Andrew Thorman, Rural Media Chair of Trustees added: “I’m delighted that the inspirational work that Rural Media is doing to help improve the lives of people living in rural communities is being recognised by this Royal visit. We look forward to welcoming His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex to Hereford!”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England ,said: “It’s great news that HRH Prince Edward has chosen to visit Herefordshire’s Rural Media Centre. The visit offers recognition for the support given by the organisation to the Creative Industries both locally and throughout the Midlands.
“Arts Council England is proud of its partnership with Rural Media, as both a National Portfolio Organisation, and in its role as the Midlands Hub for New Creatives – a partnership with Arts Council and the BBC to support young diverse talent to create exciting new work for television and radio – funded by The National Lottery.
“We hope HRH Prince Edward enjoys seeing this fantastic work and meeting the some of the young people involved.”