Project introduction
The project welcomes people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to share and celebrate their cultures, connect with natural and historic heritage and build stronger ties to land and community. We want people to be able to find a new sense of place and belonging in Shropshire.
Who are we?
The project will be led by:
Andrew Howe – artist working in sound, painting, printmaking, and other media
Jill Impey – artist working in video, sound and printmaking
Jean Atkin – poet and writer
What will we do?
The project artists will invite people from different community groups to work with them to share stories using writing, sounds, art, photographs.
The group(s) will learn about local history and nature through walking the land, learning from local historians, sharing oral histories and co-creating art. There will be opportunities to share food, stories and music at places in the landscape and at indoor venues.
We can show our work in a travelling Cabinet of Curiosity at exhibitions in local libraries and museums.
Where will this happen?
The project will happen at four locations:
- Doctor’s Field & Poplar Island countryside sites, Shrewsbury
- Town Walls, Shrewsbury, and
- Oswestry Iron Age Hill Fort.
We will arrange transport to these places if needed.
When?
Oswestry
Site visits & workshops April-May 2025
Exhibitions: from June 2025
Shrewsbury
Site visits & workshops July-September 2025
Exhibitions: from October 2025
We would like to hear from you!
What interests you about this project?
What activities would you like to join in with?
Is there anything you might be unsure of or find difficult?
Do you think events like this can help you to explore and learn about places in Shropshire you haven’t visited before?
Do you have stories to share about your own culture?
Are there sounds of places where you / your family used to live that you could share in the project?
Is there a song or piece of music you could share?
Do you know other people who might be interested in taking part in the project?
Shrewsbury Events
The project is designed and funded to welcome people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds; this includes people with strong connections outside of the UK (for example, people born in other countries, people who are the first generation born in the UK, those who have lived for some time in other countries and/or those connected by marriage/partnership to any of the above).
Saturday 6th September 2025
A family day in Shrewsbury. Share our different languages and stories as we walk along the River Severn and explore the “Doctor’s Field”, bring food for lunch in the grounds of Darwin’s House (his childhood home) and create your art masterpieces! Try different art activities, led by 3 local artists:
- Stop at the squelchy wetlands to listen to the creatures that live there
- Borrow our cameras to make mini-films
- Create prints using the sun
- Sharing a fire together (if conditions allow)
- What sights, sounds, smells can you notice?
Time: 10am – 3pm
Meeting place & Finish point: Darwin’s House, 2 The Mount, Shrewsbury, SY2 6PU
Saturday 27th September 2025
A Women’s Only Arty Day in Shrewsbury. Share our different languages and stories as we walk along the River Severn and explore the “Doctor’s Field”, bring food for lunch in the grounds of Darwin’s House (his childhood home).
This day is exclusively for women only. Their dependent children (if under 12 years old) will also be allowed to join. Together with the female-only teams of artists we will explore sound, spoken word, film, photography and other art forms and create your art masterpieces!
Time: 10am – 3pm
Meeting place & Finish point: Darwin’s House, 2 The Mount, Shrewsbury, SY2 6PU
On both dates, we will be walking between locations. There will be some steps, uneven ground and some short stretches of steep slopes. We will stop regularly along the route for rests and activities. Members of the project team do have first aid training.
What to expect:
- All art materials will be provided for you
- Toilets are available at the two finish locations (Darwin’s House and Shropshire Wildlife Trust)
- Parking at Darwin’s House
What to bring:
- We’ll be working outside around the centre of Shrewsbury. Wear outdoor clothes and footwear
- We’ll provide some snacks/drinks. Please bring food to share for lunch
Book your free place here:
