A pioneering new community art project is set to launch in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge in July which aims to improve the appearance of the two towns through art.
Arts charity Take Art is overseeing the summer-long project, called What Change, which will see 100 residents each given £10 to create small, but significant changes in Burnham and/or Highbridge this summer.
Spokeswoman Delphine Jones told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “What Change is a new creative community project that encourages residents of Burnham and Highbridge to think about what change they can create to make the two towns the best place to be.”
“The project will incorporate a ‘Small Change Challenge’ plus a wide programme of open workshops. We are seeking people to take up the challenge and become a ‘ChangeMaker’ in the towns by signing up for the £10 Small Change Challenge and get creative.”
The project’s launch party will be held on Saturday 12th July at 6pm in the Princess Theatre & Arts Centre when residents will be able to sign-up.
“At the launch party, 100 local people will each receive £10. All they have to do is create a small but significant change in Burnham and/or Highbridge this summer – it’s that easy!”
“If anyone is stuck for an idea of how to spend their £10 to make a change, at the launch party there will be plenty of inspiration on how to make a small difference with personal or community benefit in Burnham and Highbridge.”
Mayor Martin Cox said he supports the scheme. “It sounds a very creative way of generating visible improvements in the two towns, which I support.”
The project is being supported and funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales, Literature Works, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and the Big Lottery Fund.
There will be 100 places, and to take part residents must RSVP by Monday 7th July to Sarah Peterkin at Take Art via sarah@takeart.org or call 01460 249450.
“Several members of one family can become ‘ChangeMakers’, and you can pool your £10 with others, making a larger sum to spend together. If you cannot come along on Saturday 12th July to the launch, it may still be possible to become a ‘ChangeMaker’ subject to spaces – just contact us.”
At the launch party residents will also be able to find out about an activities programme running during July and August. This will be a chance for adults and young people to join in a variety of friendly workshops run by creative people. This will include writing poems, stories, plays; acting and drama; beach-writing; graffiti; song-writing; digital & social media, or public speaking. The cost of each workshop is just £2 (under 16s free). Pick up the workshop programme at the launch for full details, or keep an eye on www.takeart.org/wordplay.
