Over the last few weeks we have been busy getting stuck in with preparations for our Carnival of the Animals project inspired by THE HERDS, supported by Art Fund.
Wendy Chandler researching for the life sized bison puppet (left) / On tour with Bison Ranger Eddie from Kent Wildlife Trust (right)
We had a fabulous day on a guided tour at Kent Wildlife Trust with the knowledgeable and engaging Eddie, the Bison Ranger. Eddie explained in depth the process of 'Rewilding' - a large-scale ecological restoration approach that focuses on returning ecosystems to a state where nature can largely take care of itself. We were then taken on a wonderful walk where we were lucky enough to see the magnificent bison herd (as close as is possible to get)!
Beautiful butterfly masks created by Beach Creative Young Artist, Bella
Bella, one of our Beach Creative Young Artists, has been the first to develop some prototype masks using recycled materials, taking inspiration and reference from the butterflies native to Blean woods. - including the Fritillary butterfly, which is endangered.
"The Heath Fritillary is one of Britain's rarest and perhaps the Blean's greatest conservation success story. Close to extinction in the late 1970s, the heath fritillary colonies in the Blean are now some of the country's largest. This butterfly has been brought back from the brink by re-introducing regular coppicing and creating and maintaining wide rides (tracks) and open spaces that are linked."
Our project, 'Carnival of the Animals' in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust, Herne Bay in Bloom Community Kitchen Garden and led by artist Wendy Chandler, will be creating a life-size puppet bison from recycled materials to parade through Herne Bay with 'Carnival of the Animals' part of global project inspired by the international public art and climate action project THE HERDS, supported by Art Fund.
Read more about the project in our previous post here
We are delighted to announce that we have a funding offer of £18,720 from Veolia Environmental Trust to install Solar Panels at Beach Creative!
This is the first stage of our plan improve our carbon footprint and make our building greener and more sustainable for the future.
Planning permission has been granted to install the Solar Panels as part of a wider project to convert our loft space into a designated Youth Project Space.
Included in the proposed work schedule will also be structural work to develop the space, including the installation of Velux windows as part of a design developed by Herne Bay based company, South East Architectural Services. We thank them for their support for our project along with thanks to the community who have contributed towards our Raise the Roof Campaign to develop this space.
We would like to thank Veolia Environmental Trust for enabling us to initiate this capital building work, which is in line with our stated focus on environmental responsibility and addressing the climate crisis.
Beach Creative CIC (Herne Bay) presents Carnival of the Animals inspired by the international public art and climate action project THE HERDS, supported by Art Fund.
The project will see a life-size puppet bison parade through Herne Bay with a carnival of animals as part of global climate action project.
From April to August 2025, ever-growing herds of life-size puppet animals will stampede into cities across Africa and Europe to flee climate disaster. THE HERDS is a public artwork on a scale never before attempted and will vividly dramatise the climate crisis.
With support from Art Fund, Beach Creative CIC joins THE HERDS alongside 43 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, bringing artistic events, workshops and educational activities to local communities to inspire the next generation and deepen connections with the natural world.
In July 2022, Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust introduced European bison into the Herne Bay area as part of the Wilder Blean project. Beach Creative, in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust, Herne Bay in Bloom Community Kitchen Garden and led by artist Wendy Chandler will create a life size puppet of a bison from recycled materials during May and June. The bison will walk in local carnivals accompanied by an army of local animals, insects, flora and fauna of the area created by local children, young people and community groups in July and August.
THE HERDS will engage with audiences along the 20,000km route with special UK performances in London 27 – 29 June, and Greater Manchester 3 – 5 July. All events are free and have been designed in collaboration with local partners to create a hugely powerful participatory event.
“We can often feel helpless in the face of the climate crisis, but this project has already generated so many ideas as to how we can become a catalyst for positive change in our community.
Gill Wilson, Director of Beach Creative
An accompanying learning resource ‘Let The Wildness In’, supported by Art Fund, will be available to engage schools, families and communities across the world with free downloadable resources, education and activity packs, reading lists, lesson plans and open-source puppetry design kits.
THE HERDS is presented in partnership with global climate organisations – including WWF International, Save the Elephants, Wild Africa, Global Rewilding Alliance and TED Countdown - as well as numerous arts organisations, scientists, artists, zoologists, politicians, climate activists, universities and civil society groups across Central, West and North Africa and Europe to present one united call for action.
“Art Fund is supporting 44 museums and galleries across the UK take part in THE HERDS with their communities. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational activities, we’re excited to enable even more people of all ages to get involved in their local area and be inspired by museum collections and this extraordinary international climate movement.”
Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund
THE HERDS is produced by David Lan and Tracey Seaward for The Walk Productions and created by Amir Nizar Zuabi with Executive Producer Sarah Loader.
Carnival of the Animals is inspired by THE HERDS and supported by Art Fund.
Art Fund
Art Fund is the national charity for museums and galleries. For over 120 years, it has helped institutions across the UK to develop and share their collections, invest in people and expertise, grow their audiences and inspire the next generation.
Art Fund connects museums and people with great art and culture through funding, advocacy and initiatives, because access to art is vital for a healthy society. It champions the sector through the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year Award - the world’s largest museum prize - and supports museum professionals through dedicated training and grant programmes.
Independent and people-powered, Art Fund is supported by 142,000 members who buy a National Art Pass, as well as generous contributions from individuals, trusts and foundations. The National Art Pass offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places in the UK, 50% off major exhibitions, a subscription to Art Quarterly magazine and Art In Your Inbox newsletter.
