Introducing the nature inspired micro commissions to Dudley Creates
It has been a really exciting week here at Dudley Creates as we met with our wonderful cohort of Nature Inspired micro commission funded project leads.
During September we popped a call out for people to respond to our creative nature connected commissions. We received 7 brilliant project proposals and were able to support all of them.
We have projects that range from working with all ages, communities across the borough, in spaces and places we haven’t had the chance to connect with previously and with a number of creative art forms.
Some of the creatives are known to us both via our work with other Time Rebels and with partners, and a few are quite new to our cultural ecosystem. We are looking forward to working with the 13 creatives that will be hosting workshops over the next few months.
Here’s a short outline of each of the projects and we’ll share more news about them when we have it, including how you can get involved…
PROJECT: Two Days in Autumn
CREATIVES: Jackie, Helen and Jo
WHERE IT’S TAKING PLACE: Ruskin Glass, Amblecote, Stourbridge
WORKING WITH: Local community
A 2 day workshop project that will offer space to experiment and make inks using nature. The workshops will take place early November.
PROJECT: Walk + Draw
CREATIVES: Sam + Rachel
WHERE IT’S TAKING PLACE: Priory Park
WORKING WITH: Newly arrived and migrant / local communities
Bringing elements of nature to make weaved-together items made from plants gathered from the park area including nettles and bindweed. The regular Walk + Draw participants will be supported to facilitate sessions with people from the local community during weekends in the Autumn.
PROJECT: Close to Nature
CREATIVES: Anneka + Amelia
WHERE IT’S TAKING PLACE: Long Lane Library, Halesowen
WORKING WITH: Local community
Close to Nature will use Long Lane Library’s surrounding gardens as their starting point for inspiration. Inviting the Library users and groups to connect to the space and see what creative projects arise from listening to nature and each other.
PROJECT: Saz‘s Ceramics
CREATIVES: Saz + Carly
WHERE IT’S TAKING PLACE: Wordsley
WORKING WITH: Local community groups
Saz’s Ceramics are aiming to work with over 100 Wordsley community members, from young children and families to dementia groups, who will collect nature from the local park to make ceramic plaques.
PROJECT: Make Your Mark
CREATIVES: Kristina
WHERE ITS TAKING PLACE: Jasmine Road Community Gardens
WORKING WITH: Local community
Communities who access the Jasmine Road Gardens will be invited to make nature-filled bundles with Kristina who will host several workshops and an outdoor exhibition of people’s contributions.
PROJECT: Growing Communities
CREATIVES: Sallyanne, Clare, Deb
WHERE ITS TAKING PLACE: Hawbush Community Gardens / Saturday Books
WORKING WITH: Local community groups
Growing Communities will host poetry, mark making and nature-inspired workshops inviting participants to help make a co-created sculpture or piece of art for display.
PROJECT: Green + Blue Spaces
CREATIVES: Becki
WHERE IT’S TAKING PLACE: Saltwells Nature Reserve
WORKING WITH: Local families
Families who would like to get close to green and blue spaces will be invited to 2 sessions at Saltwells Nature Reserve with Becki who will guide them through a walk where they will discover nature together.
The projects have been funded via Arts Council England’s National Lottery project grant and is part of Dudley Creates ‘Time Rebels of Dudley’ project for 2023. This work is in collaboration with CoLab Dudley and Creative Black Country.