Celebrating the launch of the art trails in Fishguard and Goodwick.
Small World Theatre is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council through UK Government funding to work with the communities of Goodwick and Fishguard, to co-create new artworks for the twin towns in 2024.
Working with the On Land’s Edge Festival, we’re planning a joint celebration on 20/9/24 to launch the trails and join the Festival’s opening events.
FREE Lantern Making Workshop.
7/9/24 - 10am - 3pm - Fishguard Town Hall
Fishguard and Goodwick residents! Create lanterns with Small World artists on Saturday 7th September to take part in the big lantern parade on 20th September.
Join us to create a magnificent Lantern Parade on 20th September to celebrate the launch of Art Afoot, the new art trails linking Fishguard and Goodwick, and On Land’s Edge Festival.
Capacity to make up to 50 pyramid lanterns - so please book early. This is not a drop-in workshop - lantern makers need to attend the full day. Suitable for ages 8 + accompanied by an adult.
BOOK a free place.
Latest news.
Fantastic Lanterns to light up Fishguard and Goodwick at the launch of the new art trails.
31/7/24
Plans are underway to launch Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed art trails linking Fishguard and Goodwick and commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council through UK Government funding. Pembrokeshire County Council and Small World Theatre are planning a celebratory lantern parade in partnership with On Land's Edge Festival on Friday 20th September from 6.30pm.
Fishguard's mayor Cllr Billy Shaw and the Mayor’s Consort Cllr Janet Wyer, will be in attendance. Goodwick Brass Band, several beautiful giant lanterns and a sea of jelly fish and pyramid lanterns will lead people from The Parrog into Fishguard, delighting spectators.
Ann Shrosbree, Director of Small World Theatre said:
"We've worked with pupils at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, Holy Name Catholic Primary School and Ysgol Wdig to make jelly fish lanterns and larger creatures from tissue paper and willow. We're looking forward to welcoming the public to a big day of lantern making in Fishguard Town Hall. The result of everyone's hard work will be spectacular Parade which we hope will be a memorable occasion for the towns."
Ann Shrosbree, Director of Small World Theatre said:
“Thanks to social media, feedback in person and comments left for the team, we were able to get more of a picture of the communities’ response and in some cases, their concerns. The exhibition represented the hard work of my team in a short timeframe. We have listened and included as many themes as possible gathered during the intense public consultation period. The artwork designs have strong environmental themes as well as references to local history. We hope that the communities can enjoy and be proud of their input so far.”
Residents and stakeholders of Fishguard and Goodwick are invited to join Small World theatre's artists in a free lantern making workshop in Fishguard Town Hall on Saturday 7th September from 10am - 3pm. This is an all-day event - participants need to book ahead through the company's website. There are fifty lantern making places available on a first come first served basis.
"We ask the public to be mindful when they're booking. If you’ve booked and find that you can’t make it to the workshop, please let us know as we'll be running a waiting list." said Ann.” The event is already being embraced by the community and I want to say a big thank you to Ffwrn for inviting us to work with FADDS in the venue, and for allowing the community to store their amazing lanterns ahead of the parade.”
It is hoped that the plans to create an evening of events will only benefit the towns, with the launch of the art trails coinciding with On Land's Edge Festival’s opening night.
A Fishguard residents said:
“I am blown away by the amount of work on this project and in such a short time the art trails will be open to the public. We’ve been invited to attend a variety and choice of engagement opportunities. Small World has sought out and listened to people and turned our responses into something amazing for the community and our future generations.
Another added:
“I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of artworks, and I hope they will support Fishguard and Goodwick as walkable towns linked by the Wales Coast Path and other routes. I foresee the new art trails will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”
For further information about On Land's Edge Festival’s programme and for information about the art trails, please visit the companies’ respective websites.
Project outline
This is an outline of the art trails project, and there’s more information here.
smallworld.org.uk/trails-goodwick-fishguard
The trails are an opportunity to celebrate the distinctive history, culture and stories of the area and make an appealing attraction for local people and tourists alike. They form part of a wider regeneration drive commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council through UK Government funding, to encourage vibrant town centres, maintain and increase footfall to support shops, decrease vacant buildings, create jobs and increase a sense of pride in place.
Small World was chosen through a competitive evaluation process involving members of the Regeneration Place team at PCC and an external public art specialist; Emma Price of Studio Response based in Cardiff. There were nine other applications from all over the UK.
The project starts this year, with a real focus on gathering ideas and sharing stories in January 2024. We'll be running a series of events to engage with as many residents and community groups as possible. Please help us share this news through your networks and in your neighbourhood.
We are a strong, creative team headed up by Ann Shrosbree and Bill Hamblett, artists and performers who will also lead on the public engagement events. Joining us is Gideon Peterson, a Pembrokeshire based artist with many years’ experience in creating public realm artwork using a range of metals. Toby Downing and Ben Cramp are a creative duo specialising in playful and interactive sculptural projects using upcycled materials. Filmmaker and animator Séan Vicary and creative technologist Steve Knight, will add a digital wayfinding element to the project. David Pepper, Fishguard-based musician, curator and walking guide completes the team.
In January 2024, applications from Pembrokeshire based artists will be sought for a paid opportunity to join the team for ten days as a mentored artist. If this appeals to you, come along to the engagement sessions and meet the artists to find out more.
The trails will be completed by Autumn 2024, and will be launched through community public events that bring people together to celebrate this unique peninsula.
Contact
David Pepper, Community Link trails.communitylink@gmail.com