What's Happening?
Leach Pottery in St Ives is engaging the local community in a creative project to design 5,000 tiles for its new Learning and Production Centre. The pottery museum has organized workshops where community members can decorate tiles, which will be featured in the new hub set to open early next year. Ellen Love from Leach Pottery emphasized the importance of including community work in the building, noting that over 2,500 people have already participated in the tile decoration process. The initiative is part of a larger project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government's Town Deal programme, and the Arts Council's MEND fund.
Why It's Important?
This initiative highlights the role of community engagement in cultural projects, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among local residents. By involving the community in the design process, Leach Pottery is not only preserving its historical significance but also promoting contemporary pottery practices. The project is expected to enhance local cultural infrastructure, providing more free workshops and sessions for residents. It also supports the reinterpretation of Bernard Leach's legacy, contributing to the cultural and educational landscape of St Ives.
What's Next?
The completion of the tile workshops and the subsequent opening of the Learning and Production Centre will mark a significant milestone for Leach Pottery. The new hub will offer expanded opportunities for community engagement and education in pottery. As the project progresses, it may inspire similar initiatives in other cultural institutions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
