The St. Paul’s Artists in Residence scheme continues to go from strength to strength. For the first time, they have secured two lots of funding to explore new ways of connecting the church with the community it serves.

This year’s incumbents, musician Tony Bowler, and artist, Ken Maynard, each received a £500 bursary. This was made possible because of a successful Arts Council England funding application made by the arts organisation, LVAC Community Interest Company, in partnership with St. Paul’s Church, Ryhope.

Tony had already set up the Ryhope Choir which meets weekly
on Thursdays, at St. Paul’s. People attend from all over Sunderland and County Durham to make new friends and practice familiar songs. With his bursary, Tony decided to purchase some ukuleles as accompaniment for the choir and teach its members how to play. Then, thanks to Artists in Residence volunteers, Believe Housing awarded the choir one of its small community grants.
This covers the cost of its yearly license, which allows its members to sing publicly.

In exciting news, the choir members have been invited to Beamish Museum this summer to sing for the opening of the former Grand Cinema from Ryhope, now relocated to its 1950’s village.

Ken Maynard has been no slouch either. He has been using his
skills to research, design and make a number of poignant fused
glass pieces which depict the seasons and liturgical calendar.
Visitors to St. Paul’s have already been treated to Ken’s artistic response to Remembrance Day, Easter and the recent Pentecost. For example, local children received some unique fused glass Easter eggs, made specially by Ken, which will far outlast the chocolate alternatives. Also, talks are currently underway to showcase a selection of Ken’s artwork in a solo exhibition in Ryhope. 

So, what comes next for St. Paul’s Artists in Residence scheme? The call for submission of interest to become the next round of Artists will be launched in August 2024. When their own term comes to an end, both Ken and Tony want to continue with a role in the St. Paul’s community arts programme, something which Rev. David Chadwick was delighted to hear.

To find out more about St. Paul’s Artists in Residence scheme, look for St. Paul’s Church Ryhope - Artists in Residence on Facebook. Or email: [email protected]