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A New Generation of Artists and Designers recreate a 100 year-old Wartime World

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Thanks to National Lottery players, from 11 May up-and-coming artists from South Yorkshire will be helping to recreate a lost wartime world, to mark the centenary of the First World War.  Inspired by the real-life stories of local people, students from University Centre Doncaster have used both traditional and cutting-edge techniques - from dance to computer games design, from drama to video production – to bring Doncaster’s First World War to life.

The aspiring creative professionals have been working in partnership with Doncaster 1914-18, a four-year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), with the results showcased to the public during this year’s Doncaster 1914-18 calendar of events, starting from 11 May 2016.

“To tell this 100-year story, we wanted to draw on the creative skills of a new generation, and it’s been a privilege to see the students engaging with their heritage in such imaginative ways,” says Jude Holland, Project Manager of Doncaster 1914-18.  “Through the project, they’ve gained access to original wartime accounts and personal memorabilia, they’ve interviewed local people, and even tried on costumes!  It’s all given them a profound connection to the past – especially as so many of the students are from the local area, and the same age as soldiers fighting on the First World War frontlines.  The students are making a major contribution to bringing to life the varied and fascinating stories of Doncaster during the First World War.”

In 2016, the public can enjoy the students’ work at the following Doncaster 1914-18 events:

  • 11 May, Museums At Night: Life as a Servant at Cusworth Hall, 6.30-9pm: telling the stories of Cusworth Hall’s servants during the First World War, students from the HND Interactive Media have created a stunning projection as part of this night-time event.
  • 16 May, Echoes: the Mansion House at War at Doncaster Mansion House: in an original performance inspired by real events, BA (Hons) Contemporary Performance and Practice students will bring to life the Mansion House’s wartime history – the place where both War and Peace were announced.
  • 24 May, First World War Tea Dance at Doncaster Mansion House, 2–4.30pm: BA (Hons) Dance Practice students have turned back the clock to 1916, recreating an actual American-themed tea party hosted by the Mansion House to raise money for the troops.  Everyone is welcome to join in!
  • From 16 July, Estate of War: Doncaster’s Country Houses at Cusworth Hall: as part of a new exhibition exploring how life changed for servants and families of the region’s country houses during the First World War, BA (Hons) Contemporary Performance and Practice, and BA (Hons) Creative Music Technology students have recorded extracts from First World War letters and poems.
  • A new digital dimension has also been added to the heritage project: HND Interactive Media and BA (Hons) Moving Image Production students have created promotional videos for the Doncaster 1914-18 website, while HND Games Design and Animation students have created a 3D game based on the trenches and tanks of the First World War.

Karen Dainty, Curriculum Head School of Arts at University Centre Doncaster, has welcomed the opportunity for staff and students to be involved in the Doncaster 1914-18 project and commented: “The Arts team have been really excited about developing different projects with the students to commemorate such important historical events in Doncaster.  The project has provided students with an invaluable experience of working to real life client briefs whilst learning about important historical events. They have been inspired by the stories uncovered and created some really interesting and engaging narratives. The staff and students have enjoyed the chance of being involved in a project that supports and celebrates the local community. It has helped the staff and students really appreciate what life was like 100 years ago and the significant role Doncaster played during the First World War.”

For a full event listing or more details, visit www.doncaster1914-18.org.uk.  To find out the latest news and courses from University Centre Doncaster, visit www.don.ac.uk.

ENDS

Photographs are available by following the links at the bottom of this email, or from http://news.cision.com/doncaster-1914-18.

Notes to editors:

Generously supported with a grant of more than £900,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) during the four-year project, Doncaster 1914-18 will feature an ever-changing programme of events and exhibitions, with future years uncovering the diverse experiences of Doncaster people on the Home Front, including women’s experiences of war, Doncaster’s role in the Battle of the Somme, Doncaster’s Royal Flying Corps and Airfield, the role of the local countryside and country houses, and Armistice.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)

Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk @heritagelottery @HLFYandH

To arrange interviews or photographs, or for further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins or Nicola Bexon

Pyper York Limited

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay@pyperyork.co.uk or nicola@pyperyork.co.uk

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