Dartford high street is to be transformed this summer! Artists have been commissioned to create art that will be installed in various buildings and public spaces from June through to August, the high street will feature a range of artwork and activities such as, workshops and exhibitions and much more. Artists, all of whom live or work in Dartford, have worked with local communities to create art work for public display. These artist commissions form part of Dartford Creative which is an arts programme funded by Dartford Borough Council and Arts Council England, exploring ways in which artists and local people can get involved in arts and cultural activity in Dartford.
Clare McEwan is a textile artist and designer who explores material, shape and 
texture through her art work. Clare often prints onto surfaces such as fabric, wood and paper and we are delighted that she has chosen to make striking pieces of art work that are eye catching and sited both in the town and in Holy Trinity Church. Film plays an important role in artist Nadia Perrotta’s work; she works mostly, with film, installation and creative writing. Nadia has encouraged young local people to explore conversations and their surroundings using video. Sound is important to artist Anthony Elliott; his work is influenced by sound and he has enjoyed working with students from North Kent College to manipulate sound and image. Anthony has also collaborated with Nadia to produce something quite unique, that we know will be intriguing!
Sidonie Carey-Green is a dance artist who is also inspired by film and dance for camera, her art work is inspired by Dartford places and spaces. Similarly, fine artist Annie Ho-Cooper is interested in people and memories. Annie works with material objects such as worn textiles and linens to make her art work; she explores individual and collective memory and is fascinated by personal and community identity.
Hayley Byfield is a drama practitioner and has facilitated a series of inspiring sessions with participants at the Tree Community Centre. The participants explored shadow puppetry and had a go at making their own marionette puppets and bringing them to life! Kasia Parker is a print maker and has undertaken a series of fun and messy workshops with young people and families; and both Kasia and Hayley will facilitate workshops as part of the summer of arts event.
The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy the garden and Will Gould describes himself as an artist gardener. Will is inspired with the environment and the outdoors and he has been working with volunteers from the Temple Hill Trust, exploring mark making and working with willow.
To find out more details about dates and venues please follow Dartford Creative on twitter @DartfordCreates or Facebook www.facebook.com/dartfordcreative/