Fylde Council are delighted to announced Green Loop, an exciting new environmentally themed participatory art project which will help Fylde’s communities connect with the coastline.
Comprised of three thematically linked strands delivered by the community in collaboration with professional artists and environmentalists, and funded in part by an Arts Council England Grant, Green Loop will explore our connection to and foster greater understanding of the natural world.
At the same time, the project will provide meaningful volunteering opportunities for isolated young people whose life paths have been impacted by COVID 19, helping them to develop skills and participate in social engagement.
Councillor Michael Sayward, Chair of the Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has given many people the opportunity to explore creative outlets, and to develop a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. The Green Loop project aims to channel this positive spirit into something that helps those socially isolated young people in our community, and produces thought-provoking works of art.”
A commission created by Nerissa Cargill Thompson will explore the environmental impacts of plastic waste through a series of artworks created both using and inspired by litter found in the River Ribble. An artist and designer with 20 years’ experience, Nerissa will collaborate with local businesses in developing an exhibition trail to be hosted along Fylde’s high streets. The trail will aim to bring greater awareness of the human on impact on the local environment, looking at the legacy of plastic waste and exploring alternative choices.
A workshop programme will offer Fylde residents the opportunity to engage with two emerging artists and a professional environmental artist. With support from partner organisations Ribble Rivers Trust, Keep Britain Tidy, and Hopeful & Glorious they will research, design, create, promote, and retail a limited-edition, sustainable, and ethically produced range of wearable or home accessories, made from or inspired by plastic waste found in the Ribble Estuary.
This limited-edition range will be launched at the third strand of the project: an Eco Maker’s Market, co-produced by Fylde residents in collaboration with Lancashire based art and design events Hopeful and Glorious. Developed with an environmental ethos, the maker’s market brand will be produced in accordance with a set of green principles which will shape the design of the event from the marketing strategy through to the artisans selected.
Nerissa Cargill Thompson said: “I am really excited about being lead artist for the Green Loop project as it brings together the key aims of my practice: helping people explore their creativity, sustainability and increasing awareness of the issue of plastic pollution and the small ways that we can all make a difference.”
Partners UR Potential had this to say: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Fylde council on this exciting project. For details of enrolment or further information, contact Emma@urpotential.co.uk or by telephone 07460 131188.”
The Green Loop project will run from March 2022 to October 2022. More information will be available on the Discover Fylde website soon.
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