Photograph by Simon Folkard
It’s been a rocky road for Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA) these last few years, and I didn’t mean the crushed biscuits and marshmallows sort! Cuts to Arts Funding has meant the unfortunate cancellation of a large part of their annual free event programme. Townsfolk and The Town Council have both been helpful in stepping up to assist. A limited and last-minute carnival went ahead last weekend and was hailed a success; now DOCA looks towards the autumn and winter season optimistically…..
Announcing today they’ve been awarded their full winter funding from Arts Council England, and this is fantastic news for the town means DOCA can now move forward in bringing Winter Festival to life and preparing for an amazing Lantern Parade.
“We’re deeply grateful to Arts Council England for believing in our vision and investing in our community’s creative future,” they said. “This funding doesn’t just support our organisation, it supports the entire Devizes arts community and all the talented festival makers, audience, and participants who make our work possible.”
“A heartfelt thank you also goes out to our wonderful Devizes community for your ongoing support, enthusiasm, and participation. You are the heart of everything we do.”
We owe it to DOCA to really ring out the bells on this one. Great news, and we look forward to it. You know, whatever Devizine can do to help, you only need to ask; though I’ve always wanted to be Father Christmas, if you can take a ho-ho-hint!!
devizine.com 