We’re very excited to share news of our projects and events happening this summer.
Sewing Seeds of Gladness
Work is continuing apace to complete the incredible stitched Parish Map of South Petherton ahead of its great unveiling at the David Hall on Saturday 21st September, 10.30 to 12.30pm.
Sewing Seeds is an 18-month intergenerational, community stitching project for people and groups in the Parish of South Petherton. Aiming to celebrate the diversity and positivity of the Parish through creative stitching, it will feature over 100 beautifully embroidered pieces. We really can’t wait to see what it will look like!
Soil Story
So much more than the mud under our feet!
Soil Story, co-created in partnership with ARK at Egwood and Rama Life, continues to inspire young people and adults to explore our relationship with soil and each other.
Sessions at the ARK have included examining the important nutrients and organisms in soil, looking at nature through a microscope and getting into the wormery! Inspired by a workshop run by Lara Honnor from School Beanz who shared her ‘no dig’ philosophy, the group has decided to form a Compost Club. ‘It’s amazing to think how alive the soil is and what happens when we disrupt it,’ said one participant.
The young people at Rama Life have also been getting their hands dirty. Despite initial scepticism from some, a mix of practical sessions and videos have inspired insightful discussions around supermarket dominance, sampling and understanding the complexity of soil, and letting go and connecting with nature.
Sessions between now and the end of the project are using arts activity to explore and celebrate the ‘metaphorical’ value of healthy soil and its relationship to resilient, diverse communities.
Throughout the project, we’re hoping that Soil Story will help shift our perceptions, and increase awareness, of the relevance and importance of healthy soil and our relationship with it. Already we’re seeing how the project is enabling people to socially connect with others, the land and the arts and flourish in a safe, nature-friendly environment.
‘I really love how this project is unfolding,’ said one participant. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens next.
We appreciate support from the Ashley Family Foundation and The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust to help make the project happen.
Birthday Day
Back in 2021 we commissioned Nick White from Wassail to work with Duncan Palmer from Bower Hinton Farm to explore the traditions of family-run farms and generational transition. This became a short story, A Notable Oak, which captured those memories and experiences. Nick performed it at various Cultivate events.
Three years on, and with much creative input and support from any others, this short story has become a new outdoor show touring Somerset this summer.
Three performers and the audience seamlessly entwine to create an annual family party, spanning 70 years. Uncle Brian, Cousin Georgina, Granny and Grandad are all there to celebrate Jeanie and Lily, two sisters who share everything, including a birthday.
But one year, on one birthday, at one family party, things change forever. Audiences are invited to join the birthday celebrations on the farm, and watch their story unfold.
Do join the party if you can! The full tour schedule is here.
Community land-based project in Chard
We’re continuing to work with several partners to explore the idea of creating a community land-based project in the centre of Chard that will bring people together around nature, creativity, food and wellbeing-based activity.
As a ‘taster’ for local residents to experience what this could look like, we’re working with Somerset-based aKa Dance Theatre to bring their new show, Shed-ache, to the perform on the land on Sunday 18th August. More details will be available in the next newsletter and online.
Save the Date: Chill on the Hill
Plans are falling into place for Chill on the Hill on Sunday 1st September at Ham Hill Country Park.
We’re still putting the programme together but can guarantee it will be a family celebration of local food, workshops and performances with a culturally diverse flavour.
We’re looking forward to a creative and productive summer season.
Team Cultivate