Readers of the Exmouth Journal will be familiar with my recent articles about ACED and the role of East Devon’s Culture Strategy. A further landmark in this creative development is the launch of a new website (www.aced.org.uk)

This website will champion the work of East Devon-based cultural and heritage organisations, performers, musicians and artists of all kinds, with their particular and diverse perspective of our life and times. Something we all need in the difficult and often chaotic era we are living through. The arts can bring many responses that help in our understanding of the human and social condition, in addition to bringing beauty and joy to our lives.

From the outset in 2021 ACED has been a network to support those in arts and culture through personal contacts, meetings, events, training and funding opportunities. The website builds on this collaboration by, for example enabling people to join a directory of arts people and organisations. This will encourage members of the ACED network to access up-to-date arts news, resources, and share and develop ideas and practice.

The vital support of East Devon District Council (EEDC) is reflected in the enthusiastic welcome for the website given by the council leader Cllr. Paul Arnott, and by Cllr. Nick Hookway, the portfolio holder for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism. The EDDC Cultural Strategy 2022 – 2031 of which ACED is a key part will continue to be led by Cultural Producer Sarah Elghady. More information about the website email aced@eastdevon.gov.uk

So, why not join us in ACED; share your experience and knowledge, engage with like-minded people with a practical commitment and enthusiasm, for all things arts and culture. You might be surprised by just how much great work is going on in East Devon.

While discussing great art, I would like to let you know that I am in the early stages of planning a series of eight two-hour evening classes to be held in Exmouth in the Autumn; watching and discussing the outstanding BBC and Open University series ART THAT MADE US. This kaleidoscopic series looking at over a thousand years of ground-breaking, confrontational and transformational art and culture, is now available on BBCiplayer. The eight programmes that make up the series are, 1. Lights in the darkness. 2. Revolution of the dead. 3. Queens, feuds and faith. 4. To kill a king. 5. Consumers and conscience. 6. Rise of the cities. 7. Forged in the wars, and 8. Art that remade us.

My aim is that the classes I am planning to host will be free to participants.

If you would like any more information about this, or have any ideas and suggestions, do please get in touch at astley.john@gmail.com