A new project is bringing together members of Gloucester’s community groups, young people and artists with a team of creatives to develop exciting new art inspired by the National Waterways Museum Gloucester’s canal folk art collection.
The Folk for Folk project
In the same way that 19th century canal boat people used folk art to proudly enhance their environment and define their identities, the Folk for Folk project is creating folk art for the 21st century. The finished works will 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, 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.
Deep and fascinating stories
Katherine Glynne-Jones is creative producer for Folk for Folk. She explains more: “When we think about canal boat art the distinctive Roses and Castles designs on boats and canal ware 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 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.”
All the creatives have spent time in our folk art collection, which is housed in the National Waterways Museum Gloucester.
Folk for Folk is funded by Arts Council England’s Unlocking Collections grant.
Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England, adds: "This project epitomises what our Unlocking Collections fund is all about. It lets folks in and around Gloucestershire dive deep into their history and see what's possible for the future. We're excited to see residents, workers, and visitors connect with the city’s rich past through the tradition of folk art. We’re committed to bringing high-quality cultural experiences right to your doorstep, and thanks to National Lottery players, we’re making that happen."
In total more than 50 people are contributing to the project, with the finished works including textiles, paintings, sculpture, digital art and photography. The pieces will go on display at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester from 23 March until 27 April 2024.
Admission
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
