THE National Waterways Museum Gloucester’s canal folk art collection brings together members of Gloucester’s community groups, young people and artists with a team of creatives to develop exciting new art.
More than 50 people are contributing to the Folk for Folk project, with finished works including textiles, paintings, sculpture, digital art and photography. They will be on display at the at the museum until April 28, 2024.
Creative producer Katherine Glynne-Jones explained: “When we think about canal boat art the distinctive roses and castles designs on boats and canalware spring to mind. Bold and colourful, those images tell a deep and fascinating story of individuality, aspiration and a fierce pride.
“Our Folk for Folk project is not intended to replicate those images but to take inspiration from their intent – our young artists will use their chosen media to tell their own stories, creating authentic and unique folk art that places them firmly in 2024.”
The finished works explore subjects that are important to Gloucestershire’s diverse communities – from housing and living conditions to relationships, personal identity, families and friends.
The National Waterways Museum Gloucester, which is managed by the Canal & River Trust, is working with Gloucestershire Arts & Social Projects (GASP!) on Folk for Folk.
GASP! has brought together five Gloucestershire-based young creatives to work with groups including Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children, Matson Makers and Art School Matson. Other groups at the University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire College and Creative Sustainability are also contributing to Folk for Folk.
Katherine added: “The project is set to not only breathe fresh life into the museum’s canal folk art collection but be a catalyst for empowering young people and creating connections with diverse communities and organisations in the county.
“We want to share our passion for the museum’s folk art collection, it’s a great start point for our artists: the potential is limitless and I’m excited to see what they produce.”
Folk for Folk is funded by Arts Council England’s Unlocking Collections grant.
The National Waterways Museum Gloucester is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
An annual pass to the museum gives unlimited return visits for 12 months and cost: Adult (16+) £15; Child (5-15) £8; Child (under 4) Free; Concession £13.50; Family £37.00.
Day tickets are: Adult (16+) £10: Child (5-15) £6: Child (under 4) free; Concession £9; Family £25
canalrivertrust.org.uk/gloucester
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PHOTOS:
Paul’s roses and castles on a cheese box.
Young creatives with the museum’s Julia Morgan.
COURTESY OF CANAL & RIVER TRUST
