Quiet Compere Sarah L Dixon has been working overtime to raise funding for her 2016 tour, after the Arts Council turned down two bids from her in quick succession. Her latest move has involved writing 75 poems in just 19 hours in response to prompts by those who have pledged cash.  

The Quiet Compere tours in 2014 and 2015 mixed page and stage, established poets and emerging voices, and allowed many local poets their 10 minutes in the spotlight. In 2015 the tour visited Halifax, Durham, Chesterfield, Oxford, Ulverston, Worcester, Hull Exeter, Camden, Hackney, Norwich and Cheltenham. Over the last few weeks Sarah has launched a crowdfunding bid to raise £3,000, and has just a few days left to reach her target.

Meanwhile Spotlight in Lancaster is celebrating renewed funding after being forced to resubmit a funding bid to the Arts Council. They said: “We are very pleased to announce that in response to a resubmitted funding bid Arts Council England have awarded Spotlight a grant to fund the Spotlight monthly event and a two year programme of workshops and projects. Thanks to everyone who sent us messages of support which we passed on to Art Council England and which helped massively in securing renewed funding.” Their next night at the Storey in Lancaster is on 15 January, and includes poet Carole Coates. More details and Map  

Background: Live venue 'shellshocked' after losing funding