North Somerset libraries hosting free public art workshops

12:00pm - 19 July 2024
A child uses a paintbrush to swirl colourful paint on a white t-shirt

Weston Library, Yatton Library and Clevedon Library are each hosting a free creative workshop, so the local community can help design a temporary public art installation that will be displayed near Clevedon’s coastline. 

‘Flotilla’ is a new public art project where sails will be temporarily installed across the North Somerset Levels. Raised on masts, the sails will look like they’re floating above the landscape. The first phase of the project is funded by Arts Council England’s Project Grants, and phase two is set to be funded through Project Grants, with additional funding and match funding from other sources. For more information on Flotilla, please visit: https://www.flotillaproject.org/

The project is currently in its first phase, and artists are creating a prototype sail that will be displayed at Salthouse Fields in Clevedon. Members of the public are invited to attend free workshops to help design this sail. Various activities are on offer at the workshops, including creating sail flags to take home. 

Workshops will be held at the following libraries:

To guarantee their space, people can book in advance. They can also drop in on the day. 

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “I’m very pleased to see that three of our libraries are hosting these free public art workshops, so our communities can help design an impactful piece of art and think about how we can protect the fantastic landscapes on our doorsteps.

“With the summer holidays right around the corner, these workshops offer fun, free activities for all the family. I’d encourage everyone to go along and help design the sail. It’s sure to be an imposing sight when it’s installed at Clevedon’s Salthouse Fields.”

Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, said: “We’re committed to building a green North Somerset, so I’m thrilled that our libraries are hosting these workshops.  

“As well as connecting us with the past – the North Somerset Levels were historically underwater – this public art project is a great way of prompting us to think about what the future of our local landscape may look like too. If temperatures increase to dangerous levels, sea levels will rise and flooding will increase. We’re working hard to tackle the climate emergency and build resilience in our communities.” 

Chris Bodle, the artist who is leading Flotilla, said: "The workshops will be a chance to help produce a vibrant design for the sail at Clevedon by bringing colours, images or words inspired by the North Somerset landscape into the design. They will also be a chance to explore some of the themes raised by the sails. Led by the brilliant Weston-based artist Sam Francis, the workshops are bound to be fun, hands on and experimental!"