An new project about regeneration, the people of Essex and the land that nourishes them. Essex County Council are pleased to announce that artist Marley Karazimba has been appointed the Extraordinary Essex Art Commission. For this opportunity, artists were invited to envision proposals for a new cultural work which sums up why they think or feel Essex to be an extraordinary place. Marley will create a short new film that explores the connection between people and the land in Essex, focusing on their relationships with soil, food, and community.  Drawing on Marley’s experience as a multimedia artist and filmmaker, as well as his work in community-supported agriculture and permaculture, the film will document diverse individuals in their gardens, allotments, and community farms. Titled ‘Don’t Fight The Land That Feeds You’, the film will follow the journey from soil to kitchen, featuring recipes from around the world made with locally grown ingredients in Essex.

Culture Essex launched a campaign on Friday 19 July to celebrate the creative and cultural sector. Artists and creative entrepreneurs from across Essex have agreed to be Cultural Ambassadors, inspiring future creatives and showcasing the flourishing creative sector across the county. The event was held at Anglia Ruskin University and attended by high profile representatives from theatre, dance, filmmaking, live music, literature and games development from across the county. There was a real sense of solidarity in the room, a desire to share connections and collaborate as well as to celebrate all that is great about the creative and cultural sector in Essex. The campaign message is simple, culture and creativity belong to everyone and can offer exciting, rewarding careers, inspire generations and have a positive impact on peoples’ lives. Essex is a leader in innovation and creativity and our local creative businesses are nationally and internationally recognised. Over forty

Job Opportunities Professional Development Funding Advice Clinic, Creative Colchester. Tuesday 15 October.Creative Colchester are offering free 55-minute one-to-one advice sessions. Apply to secure your place to speak directly with local funding experts. Freelancers Rights, Southend Creatives. Friday 18th October.Southend Creatives are running a free day-long workshop exploring freelancer rights in the creative sector, led by local artists Emma Edmondson and Lu Williams. Funding and Commissioning Opportunities Primadonna Commission, Essex Cultural Diversity Project Essex Cultural Diversity Project and Primadonna invite expressions of interest from creative practitioners to devise and deliver a project that celebrates community, diversity and the power of the written and spoken word, which will take place in the run up to and during the next Primadonna Festival in July 2025. A delivery budget of £9,000 available, with expressions of interest to be submitted before the deadline of 31 October 2024. If you have an opportunity you’d like to share,

The following list details recipients of the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund, supporting organisations and creative practitioners to deliver an exciting range of work and activity to engage with and bring communities in Essex together. Find out more about the fund here. Since launching in December 2021, the Fund has supported 74 projects across Essex and enabled approximately 300,000 Essex residents and visitors to get involved or benefit from creative and cultural activity across the county. Year 3 Recipients (2024) Essex International Film Festival An Essex wide short film festival celebrating the best of regional and international film talent will be delivered by Essex Film Collective. Taking place over one-week as the start of an annual initiative, the festival will be jam packed with screenings, masterclasses and networking events focused on bringing together professional like-minded individuals as well as providing a platform for emerging industry talent. Taking place across