We’re told we all have a right to roam in the countryside – but does that apply to everyone equally?
Exeter Phoenix is pleased to present an evening of short films, performance and discussion inspired by Right of Way, a new feature-length programme that mixes stunning new artists’ commissions with historical archive films that give a bigger picture of questions of access and inclusion in the UK countryside.
The three short films commissioned for Right of Way were inspired by the foundation of the National Trails. Set up to resist sweeping industrialisation, these protected landscapes were created with a vision to ‘connect people to the rural landscape’. But during the COVID-19 pandemic – as people realised anew the importance of nature and open spaces for our health and mental wellbeing – inequalities of access to rural land were being exposed, revealing the disconnect felt by millions of people towards the UK countryside.
A 2019 government review found that many Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people view the countryside as an ‘irrelevant white, middle-class club’, concluding that this divide is only going to widen as society changes and ‘the countryside will end up being irrelevant to the country that actually exists’.
The new commissions interrupt and challenge the enduring perception of the rural idyll as an untouched and unchanging space where time stands still. What happens when Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse people enter these landscapes? How can our natural spaces be homes to protest, trespassing, activism and raves?
They are preceded by Coaley Peak (A Fragment), an earlier Artist’s Moving Image film by Dan Guthrie, commissioned by Exeter Phoenix, and followed by a short performance from poet Louisa Adjoa Parker, who was commissioned to respond to these films by Independent Cinema Office.
There will be a post screening conversation with Dan Guthrie and Louisa Adjoa Parker, chaired by Exeter Phoenix Gallery Curator, Matt Burrows.
Cost: £8* Standard | £5* Student / Under 25s
Accessibility Statement: Exeter Phoenix is wheelchair accessible, and there is a loop system in Studio 74 and at the Box Office.
If you require a personal companion or care assistant in order to attend an event you are entitled to a complimentary ticket for them, please contact box office for this.
Assistance dogs are welcome, please advise box office of this in order to allow space.
Studio 74 Seat Dimensions;
Seat: 17.5" Wide, 18.5" Long (Depth)
Back: 19" Wide, 22" Long (Height)
ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
There is a steep slope from the street leading to the main entrance and a flight of stairs up to the front door. More level access is possible by approaching from Exeter Central Library on Castle street. Step-free access to the building is available via a ramped entrance on the side of the building.
The side entrance is equipped with automatic doors.
All ground floor spaces are fully accessible with a mix of level flooring and gentle ramps. Spaces on the first floor are accessible via lift or the main staircases with level floor access throughout. Unfortunately, the second floor is not accessible via lift. Access from the first floor is via one flight of stairs.
Seating at events in The Workshop & Studio 1 changes depending on the event; if you have any specific requirements we will do our best to accommodate them and advise getting in contact before you attend.
If you are a wheelchair user we have removable seats or appropriate spaces available in all event spaces to accommodate this.
PARKING
There is one accessible parking space for Blue Badge Holders. To reserve this for your visit, please call the box office team on 01392 667080 who will provide you with a parking permit upon arrival.
TOILETS
Level access to accessible toilets is available on all floors. The accessible toilet next to Studio 74 does not require a radar key. A radar key is required for the accessible toilet on the ground floor next to the Workshop and the first floor accessible toilet; the key is available from the box office.
There are gender neutral toilets available in Studio 74 and on the first floor.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide / Hearing / Assistance Dogs are welcome. If you wish to take your dog into the event, please let us know when booking so that we can arrange an adjacent seat.
COMPANIONS
Patrons with disabilities may also bring a companion free of charge to all events.
SENSORY NOTES
The cafe bar plays low level recorded music during the day, with moderately bright lighting. During the evening in the cafe bar the music is louder and the lighting is lower. The cafe bar can become busy at various times which makes it louder.
The building can be busy with multiple events happening at the same time, if during your visit you feel you need a quieter space please ask and we will try to accommodate this wherever possible.
VENUE VISUAL STORY
Exeter Phoenix are currently in the process of updating their visual story to more accurately reflect the building.