Rachel Millward of Wealden District Council
What do you see as the district’s jewels in the crown, culture-wise?
Our artists and craftspeople are Wealden’s greatest creative asset. Then there’s our heritage: the Sussex Trug, the banoffee pie, rope-making and the iron industry. Cultural organisations are keeping those stories alive and relevant.
Farley’s House & Gallery is a particular gem – home of Surrealism and the Lee Miller Archives, recently featured in Kate Winslet’s Lee. The grounds are filled with striking sculptures and exhibitions of emerging artists. I love it there.
And, of course, AA Milne’s world famous Winnie-the-Pooh turns 100 next year. We’ll be celebrating while helping preserve the next century of the original Hundred Acre Wood – the globally precious Ashdown Forest. This rare heathland is home to protected species like the Dartford Warbler and nightjar (and the odd Heffalump).
What is the Council doing to support the arts scene?
It’s a key priority. Fourteen percent of our workforce is self employed, and freelance artists, makers, writers, actors and musicians are a significant part of that. Supporting them means supporting the whole district.
We’re investing in venues through the Community Led Infrastructure Fund and exploring how our buildings might better serve creative communities. We’re also working with The Makers Directory to expand its network in Wealden, supporting and promoting our artists.
You’ve worked in the arts yourself, with Bird’s Eye View and Sam Lee…
Birds Eye View was an international film festival celebrating women filmmakers. At the time, only 7% of directors were women – meaning half the picture was missing. It was a joy to curate programmes of phenomenal filmmakers like Sarah Polley and Marjane Satrapi, and to commission musicians such as Imogen Heap and Bishi to create live scores for silent films.
Sam Lee asked me to run his organisation, the Nest Collective, which stages beautiful folk music from around the world in stunning, often outdoor locations. I also produced the theatre version of his entrancing Singing With Nightingales, usually experienced deep in Sussex woods at night. Sam is an incredible singer and a heartfelt nature campaigner. Working with him deepened my love of nature and was part of my transition to Green politics.
Which arts events have you particularly enjoyed recently in Sussex?
I loved the outdoor Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wilderness Woods this summer. The Vanessa Bell exhibition at Charleston in Lewes totally lifted me – paint still works magic, and it was a chance to know a remarkable woman. Glyndebourne’s concert of Tippett’s Child of Our Time was super powerful. And a shoutout to the Hop Yard in Forest Row, which hosts world-class DJs, comeallye folk nights, comedy, live bands and uplifting jam sessions in a vibrant community pub.
Which artwork would you hang on your desert island palm tree?
Redemption Bird by my late mum, Sheila Millward. It’s an eagle-like yellow bird that is also a mountain, part of her series exploring art as spiritual resistance in Terezín, a Nazi run ghetto for Jews north of Prague. I like to imagine myself under its wing when I need replenishment. That would be handy on the island.
Rachel Millward is Deputy Leader of Wealden District Council, with responsibility for Community, Culture and Communications.