Young people invited to get arty for Weston’s The Memory Bank
A new cultural, heritage project ‘The Memory Bank’ is calling on young people in Weston-super-Mare to sign up for a funky craft session with a twist taking place this half term via Zoom on Thursday 29 October. To take part, interested participants need to register in advance at hello@superculture.org.uk. The session is for young people of all ages but particularly suitable for 9 – 14 years.
The format for the Culture Weston event will include a lively Zoom room from 11am to midday, followed by a break and make session supported by colourful online video tutorials from leading artists. These get creative juices flowing and suggest how the art kits can be used. Several fun-filled hours later, a final round-up Zoom from 3pm to 4.30pm gets everyone back in the Zoom room to share their wild Weston creative adventures.
Led by acclaimed artist Megan Clark-Bagnall and featuring a host of specialist practitioners, from theatre prop-makers to a ‘Queen of Kindness’, participants will be invited to share their past and present memories of Weston and dreams and hopes for its future.
On signing up, vibrant art packs will be safely delivered to doorsteps, followed by online tutorials exploring the past, present and future through a variety of creative activities. Artist Jasmine Loveys – last seen in Weston as Disco Jazz at the Carboot Disco Bingo during Heritage Open Days – will delve into the past with personal, map-making that archives the individual history and special moments of those taking part.
Ali Brown, Queen of Kindness, will explore being in the present moment and provide some timely compassionate mindfulness. The finale sees a burst of energy from professional prop-makers, Mona and Carson, who will get young people building their own miniature shops of the future and thinking outside the box as to how the high street can be transformed.
These video tutorials, with plenty of ideas for time-travelling make+do for all ages, will also be available to view on Culture Weston’s website from 29 October. We invite everyone to have a watch and to delve into memories and future dreams relating to the town. All you need is a pen and paper and ideas to share. For more information please contact hello@superculture.org.uk.
Artist Megan Clark-Bagnall said: “We can’t wait to get crafty, making together and banking all the fantastic thoughts and ideas that will be created throughout the session. The finished craftwork will be on view in a Memory Bank window exhibition at The Sovereign Centre for all to see and respond to, providing a chance for everyone to have a say on the high street past, present and future!”
The Memory Bank project is part of an exciting new national initiative for the High Street Heritage Action Zone, being funded by Historic England to unlock the potential of high streets across England, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery.