South Abingdon Arts & Culture Project
In partnership with the local council, this regenerative arts project was developed to empower local artists and expand creative opportunities in South Abingdon. It celebrates and supports local people by offering training, mentorship and a platform for artists, community groups and schools, to connect with and shape their environment.
Postcard Project
Download or pick up a postcard today and share your view of Abingdon!
PROJECT STRANDS
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1
Training artists
Creating a training programme for local artists to develop their skills set and knowledge to deliver community workshops
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2
Residencies and mentoring
Trainee artists work as a resident artist within local primaries and children’s centre, develop concepts for the public artworks, supported by free access to studio space at Makespace’s Abingdon hub, The Charter.
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3
Exhibitions and public artwork
Through workshops led by professional local artists and trainees, community groups in Abingdon will create unique, site-specific works that celebrate the town's rich and diverse heritage.
Phase One
March - July 2023
A total of 235 people attended 12 events across the first phase of the Abingdon Arts and Culture Project; including 1 piece of public art, 3 training sessions 5 workshops and 7 local trainee artists.
Phase Two
September - December 2023
243 participants across 20 workshops, involving 14 artists, including 10 Abingdon based artists. This brings the total numbers up to 478 participants involved in the programme.
Phase Three
January - September 2024
48 workshops (78 to date), 6 artists, All Abingdon based artists, Total participants: 1150 (1721 to date)
Project Curators
Dionne Freeman
Lead Project CuratorDionne has worked in community arts and education for 20 years, focusing on accessibility and using the arts to enable new approaches, attitudes and transformative learning across a range of educational settings, community groups and ages. A major component of her work is building on partnership, and bringing together cultural organisations and people through creativity and education. Dionne has frequently worked with the Abingdon community, including Abingdon Bridge, South Abingdon Children's Centre, The Net and Damascus on the South Abingdon Gainsborough Green project. To find out more about Dionne's extensive experience, please get in touch:
Sarah Thorne
Co-curatorSarah has worked in community development in Oxford for the last 10 years, establishing community led social enterprises focused on education, community markets and sustainable economics. She brings a passion and enthusiasm for innovative and participatory ways of working, and is especially interested in social sculpture.
Hannah Pye
Co-curatorHannah is a professional photographer and Communications Manager at Makespace Oxford. She holds a degree in graphic design and has spent several years working across the creative and non-profit sectors. Her photography is rooted in social and environmental storytelling; highlighting examples of community, conservation and regeneration that effect change for both people and planet.
This project has been made possible with thanks to the Vale of White Horse District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
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