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The Stove Network

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We are a not-for-profit community hub and events venue in the heart of Dumfries High Street.

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Conversing Building: TRIBUTARIES

Conversing Building: TRIBUTARIES

The Stove Network
Mon 5 Oct - Fri 30 Oct 2026
Closed Sundays
8:30 AM
The Stove Café
Free event Art Exhibition

Tributaries brought together communities, artists and scientists along the River Nith to explore the river, its tributaries and the life they sustain. Through activities including moth trapping, bat walks, water sampling, birdwatching and species recording, local people worked alongside scientists to observe and learn about the river and the ecological changes taking place around them. These encounters brought together different generations and forms of knowledge, from scientific observation to lived experience of the river. This knowledge and experience became the starting point for creative workshops with textile artist Elizabeth Stephenson in which participants designed and made traditional trade union-style banners reflecting their communities’ particular relationships with the river and its tributaries. The banners joined the Salty Coo procession in this year’s Nithraid in August. The trade union banner is a symbol of solidarity, collective action and the demand for change. Here, we extend that idea beyond the human: could solidarity also be imagined between species, and between human and more-than-human communities? The banners celebrate the river and give visual expression to the interconnected lives that depend upon it. Collective making created space for conversation, skill-sharing and intergenerational learning, offering a practical and creative way to respond to environmental change. Tributaries is an outreach project for Nithraid, Dumfries’s annual river festival and boat race and we would like to continue the project. If you would like information about how to become part of the banner making project please contact: nithriverunion@gmail.com Many thanks to everyone involved in the making and……. Emily McLatchie (Artist – Thornhill workshops) Old School Thornhill Deborah Iden and the Moniaive Initiative Kirsty Johnson and Nith Life Malcolm Haddow at SWSEIC, Antoine Lemaire at Alouette Nature Tours, Leah Belford – Wallacehall Academy Nithraid and the Tributaries Project are EcoArt productions

Wild Voices | Session Three

Wild Voices | Session Three

The Stove Network
Thu, Oct 29 6:00 PM
Print House
Crafts

As part of this year’s Wild Goose Festival you can join us for three risograph workshops at the Print House exploring storytelling and environmental activism. Our environments are full of stories waiting to be heard. By discussing, imagining, and making together we can listen to what the living world is asking of us during the current mass extinction. Taking our places as stewards and advocates for all the wild things around us we will use the risograph printer to create posters and zines which can share what we learn in the festival hub and beyond. **Event Information** Our workshops are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. We suggest a standard contribution of £25, but you are welcome to choose the amount that feels manageable for you. No proof of income is required. - **Community Rate – £5** For anyone on a low income, receiving benefits, or experiencing financial difficulty. - **Reduced Rate – £10** For those with a modest income, students, or anyone who needs a little flexibility. - **Standard Rate – £25** Our suggested contribution, helping us cover the cost of running the workshop. - **Supporter Rate – £35** For those who can contribute a little more and help keep workshops affordable for others. No one turned away for lack of funds. If even the community rate is a barrier, please get in touch and we can arrange a free place. This session will take place at Print House, 135-139 High Street, Dumfries **Accessibility Information** The Print House is step-free and located on a single level, with an accessible toilet available on site. The space is compact, so we recommend getting in touch in advance if you’d like to plan your visit. We’re happy to provide photos or video of the space to help you get a sense of the layout before arriving. We are continuing to develop our accessibility and welcome conversations about what would make your visit more comfortable. If you have any specific access requirements, please let us know — we’ll do our best to make adjustments so you can fully take part. **Personalised Assistance:** - If you have any specific access needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. You can reach us at info@thestove.org or call us at 01387 252435 to speak with a member of our team. **Additional Support Available:** - Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space. - Reserved Seating can be arranged to ensure comfort and accessibility; please let us know if you would like seating assigned before arrival. We’re committed to making your experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or specific requirement

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Reel to Real Cinema: Boom For Real: The Late-Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Reel to Real Cinema: Boom For Real: The Late-Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat

The Stove Network
Fri, Nov 6 7:00 PM
The Stove Café

**Film Screening Reel to Reel: Boom For Real: The Late-Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat** **Boom For Real: The Late-Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat \| 2017 \| Sara Driver \| Documentary \| USA \| 15 \| 1 hr 19 mins** The story of how one of the 20th century’s most important artists emerged from the post-punk, b-boy and graffiti scenes of late ’70s New York. BOOM FOR REAL: THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT follows Basquiat’s life pre-fame and how New York City, the times, the people and the movements surrounding him formed the artist he became. Using never-before-seen works, writings and photographs, director Sara Driver, who was part of the New York arts scene herself, worked closely and collaboratively with friends and other artists who emerged from that period: Jim Jarmusch, James Nares, Fab Five Freddy, Glenn O’Brien, Kenny Scharf, Lee Quinones, Patricia Field, Luc Sante and many others. Drawing upon their memories and anecdotes, the film also uses period film footage, music and images to visually re-recreate the era, drawing a portrait of Jean-Michel and Downtown New York City -pre AIDS, President Reagan, the real estate and art booms – before anyone was motivated by money and ambition. The definition of fame, success and power were very different than today – to be a penniless but published poet was the height of success, until everything changed in the early 1980s. This is New York City’s story before that change. **Watch the Trailer** [Watch the trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUsy5RObL2U) Reel to Real Cinema is a monthly film space in the Stove Café, featuring an eclectic mixture of conversational films – from artist made shorts to feature length documentaries, locally made to international cinema. A space for discussion and thought-provoking films, you are welcome to join us after the film for a short discussion about the themes from this month’s selection. The Stove Café will be open from 15:00 – 18:45 with a pre-film dinner option alongside hot drinks and cakes. *Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.* **Accessibility Information** **Access to the Building** Level Access is available at the rear of the building through the adjacent close located to the left-hand side of the Café (when facing the front of the building). **Hearing Loop** We have a hearing loop system installed in the café to support individuals using hearing aids or cochlear implants. **Personalised Assistance** If you have any specific access needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. You can reach us at info@thestove.org or call us at 01387 252435 to speak with a member of our team. **Additional Support Available** Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space, as well as reserved seating can be arranged to ensure comfort and accessibility; please let us know if you would like seating assigned before arrival.

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