ABOUT FIELD ARTISTS COMMISSIONS 24/25
In June/July 2024 our Community Voices groups met to decide on what kind of project they would like to see in their community, two ideas were put out to a wider public vote across August 2024. The successful commissions were chosen by our Community Voices panels in October 2024.
Field Artist commissions are designed and decided by our Voices steering groups. Community engagement and participation sit at the heart of Creative Basildon’s programme. Creative Basildon’s Field Artists deliver engaging projects within a specific town or community, working closely with local residents and creating public art projects in response.
5 x Field Artists representing BASILDON, BILLERICAY, PITSEA, LAINDON and WICKFORD will be delivering public activity between December 2024 – March 2025
BASILDON FIELD ARTIST; Matt Ponting, artist behind Doodling Around. Matt will create a series of 4 community-co-created walks around Gloucester Park which will be signposted by colourful way markers, and an installation at the beacon. The project, called Gloucester Park’s Beacon Nature Trails, involves art workshops with local community groups, and will have a lasting legacy with a map, and activity pack for local teachers and groups.
BILLERICAY FIELD ARTIST; Lizzy Hellish-Dix, has created the Billericay Art Trail, or Free Little Art Galleries. This project will create Billericay’s very own trail of Free Little Art Galleries as part of a movement to make art accessible to all. The project will offer FREE creative workshops for participants of all ages and #FreeArtFriday workshops throughout January. A map of the Billericay Free Little Art Galleries will be available at venues throughout the town centre and online for residents to follow and explore. Book here for workshops.
PITSEA FIELD ARTIST; Achieve Thrive Flourish, will be curating a series of workshops under the project name of Food from Around the World, exploring the diversity of cuisines and the cultural significance of these dishes, developing appreciation of global food practices and the skills necessary to prepare a varied diet. Suitable for all ages. Check here for workshop updates & how to book.
LAINDON FIELD ARTIST; documentary and portrait photographer, Mark Massey, has created the Laindon Bench Project – a pop up self portrait studio. Come along, meet and chat to others from your community, and then create your own photographic self-portrait. The self-portraits will form an outdoor exhibition celebrating friendships and the community. You can pose on your own or with others, and be as serious or as fun or as creative as you like. Dates and locations can be found here
WICKFORD FIELD ARTIST; Charlotte Hamilton of Sugar Storm Studio presents Live Across Wickford, a series of creative workshops that celebrate community and co-production, using music as a tool to bring people together and encourage them to get involved in the arts, culminating in a celebration event, featuring live music, art created by the community and interactive workshops. Book here for workshops.