“Making the Cut” is a new documentary aiming to create more visibility about the sustainability of regional live arts. Made by local filmmakers Emma Holbrook and Su Mo, the documentary provides a thought-provoking debate on the national erosion of local arts centres.
“The closure of the Brewhouse was the catalyst for the film,” says Emma. “We wanted to provide the region with a voice as well as to make a contribution to the national issue. There is a very talented and diverse range of people in Somerset who want to contribute to creating and sustaining a vibrant live arts community. There is however, a real worry that if arts infrastructure if not seen to be supported here in lots of different ways, then all kinds of people, both inside and outside the area, will think the arts aren’t taken seriously. This creates stigma and significantly fewer opportunities.”
Impact of loss of arts funding
Featuring interviews with well-known arts professionals such as director Max Stafford-Clark and comedian Mark Thomas, the documentary also includes contributions from Somerset people directly affected by the withdrawal of arts funding in the area.
Emma highlights the massive impact the loss of arts funding and space is having locally. “Public regional venues have to cater for widely dispersed populations, and if we continue to lose important venues like the Brewhouse, then people will have to travel further to engage with live performance, or even worse, not at all.”
“Making the Cut” will preview at the Engine Room, Bridgwater, in December.