Sidmouth’s community groups and organisations are flying the flag for what they do – literally.
More than 30 colourful flags have been created by local schools, events teams, project groups and community support organisations, and they’ll soon be hanging across Sidmouth High Street and Fore Street.
The Festival of Flags has been led by Sidmouth School of Art in partnership with Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub, as one of seven participatory art projects in a two-year Sidmouth Makes Art (SMArt) programme funded by The Arts Council England and other local funders.
Artistic Director Coco Hodgkinson said: “This project has been so joyous! People have fed back to us that they loved the opportunity to be creative and be part of something positive that highlights the fantastic breadth of groups that are such an important part of our community.
“We asked people to really think about how they could be represented visually, without words, to create a connected art installation. We are so delighted with the outcome and look forward to welcoming many more groups to the project next year.”
The groups represented in the flags are: 1. Sidmouth Biodiversity Group 2. Friends of the Byes 3. Sidmouth Plastic Warriors 4. River Sid Catchment Group 5. Sid Valley Help 6. Sidmouth Hospice at Home 7. Oasis Café 8. Sid Life – independent supported living 9. Sidmouth Sea Fest 10. Sidmouth Science Festival 11. Sidmouth Folk Festival 12. Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival 13. Sidmouth College x 2 14. Norman Lockyer Observatory 15. Dissenter 16. Chit Rocks Beach Ramp Project 17. Branscombe – a resident’s view 18. Sidmouth Hot Cross Bun Committee 19. Sidmouth Steppers 20. Sidmouth U3A 21. The Collective in Sidmouth 22. Sidmouth WI 23. Primley WI 24. Sidmouth Repair Café 25. Sidmouth Cycling Campaign 26. Sidmouth Running Club 27. Sidmouth Choral Society 28. Sid Vale Storytellers 29. Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters 30. Sidmouth Photographic Club 31. Sidmouth School of Art
Sidmouth Town Council supported the project, allowing for the use of the display wires across the streets, after permissions to use the existing flag poles was denied, delaying the project. Sidmouth Craft Hub hosted a series of workshops for flag design and making, using their cutting tables and sewing machines. The project textile art lead was Sheena Heueston who has over 30 years’ experience as Costume, Designer and Wardrobe Mistress at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Sheena said: “It was such a great way to get many people involved from local organisations and charities. From expert sewers to beginners who said they couldn’t draw, all produced fantastic banners that decorate the streets of Sidmouth this summer.”
Sidmouth School of Art is grateful for the support from the Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters. Angela Crowther and the expert sewers in this group stepped in to make some of the flags and finish some with hems and backing ready for hanging.
Sidmouth Town Councillor Rachel Perram also lent her textile skills, helping a number of groups to make their flags and offering assistance in the workshops.
Sidmouth School of Art Development Director Louise Cole said: “Our projects are a pathway to wellbeing, offering people of all ages the chance to be creative and develop skills, meet new people and have fun. Sidmouth Festival of Flags is a wonderful example of the wellbeing power of art and creativity.
“The co-creation process is often a lifeline to reduce loneliness, helping people to feel purposeful and have a sense of belonging and to feel valued, as the artwork produced is on public display and people feel proud to have been part of something bigger. The flags look stunning and we are so pleased that from children at Sea Fest, young people at Sidmouth College to a 90 year old resident at Culver House, people of all ages and walks of life were excited by the idea and gave their time to it. There are so many shared benefits, we hope it is enjoyed by residents, visitors and businesses in the town.”
A participant from the Repair Café said: “An amazing project start to finish. I have enjoyed every aspect of my involvement in the project. Sidmouth School of Art are inspirational.”
A member of Sid Life, Supported Independent Living added: “We had a fabulous time attending the two workshops, six of our residents came along to the design workshop where they were happy to show off their artwork. Our final design was created by one of our residents, we are all looking forward to seeing everyone’s amazing flags hanging. We really appreciate the help and support you gave us and friendly atmosphere.”
The aim is to build the collection with more and more groups and organisations designing a flag to display each year.
To register your interest contact info@sidmouthcoastalcommunityhub.org
A postcard of the flags will be available soon on the Sidmouth School of Art website sidmouthart.org Postcards will also be available at the Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre.
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