Somerset Art Works

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Somerset Art Works

Somerset Art Works (SAW) is an ambitious charity dedicated to connecting people with creativity and developing visual arts across Somerset.

We initiate a wide range of projects in a variety of settings, working in partnership with other arts and non-arts organisations, supporting the artists who enrich our lives and always integrating artists’ professional development. We work to increase public engagement, weaving together communities and raising the profile of the vibrant contemporary visual, digital and applied arts scene in Somerset.

15/06/2026

💬 Meaningful change starts with conversation

For artists, cultural organisations, freelancers, individuals and community leaders across Somerset, the Diversity Forum creates a space to share experiences, challenge assumptions and explore how we can build a more inclusive cultural sector together.

Previous forums have sparked thought-provoking discussions around neurodiversity, disability, class, the creative needs of young people, representation and access - bringing together people from across Somerset to learn from one another and consider individual and collective action.

Presented in partnership by Somerset Art Works, .film and , the forum is an opportunity to connect, listen, reflect and contribute to shaping a more equitable creative future for Somerset.

📣 Join us | Somerset Arts + Culture Diversity Forum 2026 | Supporting the creativity of older people
📅 Wednesday, 24 June 1:30 - 4:00 PM
📍Westlands Entertainment Venue

👉 Reserve your free place today: https://www.somersetfilm.com/whats-on/event-somerset-arts-culture-diversity-forum-2026

14/06/2026

📸 If you really want to understand a place, start with the people who call it home

We're pleased to announce A Portrait of Chard | A Portrait of Yeovil, a Somerset Art Works Micro-Commission by artist Richard Tomlinson , developed through the Cultural Connections programme for Somerset Art Weeks Festival.
Known for his socially engaged photographic practice, Tomlinson creates work that places people at its centre. This new commission builds on his established relationship with Somerset Art Works and explores how identity, belonging and community shape our understanding of place.

Over the coming months, Richard will work with residents across Chard and Yeovil to create a series of photographic portraits and recorded stories. Bringing together long-standing local families, shop owners, young people, new residents and older generations, the project will create a collective portrait of two evolving Somerset towns.

Using a travelling portrait studio, participants will create self-portraits and share reflections on home, identity and belonging. The resulting body of work will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Chard and Yeovil through the perspectives of the people who live there.

The commission will be presented as part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival at:
📍 South Somerset Venue 036 – Chard Town Council The Guildhall
📍 South Somerset Venue 045 – Westlands Yeovil
📅 Somerset Art Weeks Festival | 19 September–4 October
🎨 A Portrait of Chard | A Portrait of Yeovil | Somerset Art Works Micro-Commission | Cultural Connections

We'll be sharing updates as the project develops throughout the summer and revealing more about the people and stories shaping this new commission.
A portrait of a town is, ultimately, a portrait of its people.

12/06/2026

🎨✨ Looking for something creative to do with the family this autumn?

Creativity has a wonderful way of bringing generations together – and Somerset Art Weeks is the perfect place to get inspired. Our Family Friendly Programme is a fantastic opportunity for families of all ages to create, explore, and make memories together.

Across all three weekends of the festival, you can enjoy a series of hands-on creative workshops, alongside artist demonstrations, talks, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities to have a go yourself.

Whether you're introducing little ones to the world of art, spending quality time with grandchildren, or simply looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
🖌️ Create together
🎭 Explore together
💡 Be inspired together
Which workshop will you try first?

10/06/2026

👀 What do ‘Cultural Connections’ mean to you? 👀

This year’s festival theme ‘Cultural Connections’ invites you to consider the rich diversity of ties that make Somerset the wonderful place it is. From the earliest settlers who shaped Somerset's landscapes to the diverse communities who call it home today, Somerset's story has always been one of movement, exchange, belonging, and connection.

Swipe through to hear three brilliant SAW artists Sarah Thompson Engels, Nina King, and Tilly Willis share what cultural connections means to them.

Make sure to check out their wonderful work during the festival:

Sarah and Tilly will be showing with the Higher Comeytrowe Creatives
📍Taunton Deane venue 17

Nina runs Talent Gallery and will be showing her own work alongside other gallery artists
📍Taunton Deane venue 15

📅 Somerset Art Weeks Festival | 19th September to 4th October

➡ ️ Follow along for more announcements, artist spotlights, and sneaky peaks of what Somerset Art Weeks Festival has up its sleeve.

08/06/2026

🦴 What can a 10,000-year-old skeleton tell us about Somerset today?
For artist Tina Salvidge, the answer lies in the stories, objects and memories that connect people to place.

We're delighted to announce Looking for Cheddar Man, a new Somerset Art Works Micro-Commission that explores ideas of identity, migration, belonging and cultural connection through digital technologies, archives and community participation.

The project will be developed throughout the summer and presented as part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival, Somerset's biennial celebration of visual art and creativity across the county.

Inspired by the story of Cheddar Man — whose remains were discovered in Somerset and whose DNA challenged assumptions about Britain's earliest inhabitants — Tina's project asks us to consider how people, cultures and stories have always moved across landscapes and generations.

Building on work developed during her Ignite Somerset Residency with Somerset Film at The Engine Room , Tina will be working with museum collections, archives and local communities in and around Axbridge and Cheddar. Using digital scanning, film and creative workshops, she will create a growing archive of personal objects and stories that connect Somerset's ancient past with the diverse experiences of people living here today.

The project demonstrates how artist development opportunities can lead to ambitious new work, transforming experimentation and research into meaningful creative experiences for communities.

We'll be sharing updates as the project develops throughout the summer and look forward to sharing Tina's journey as Looking for Cheddar Man takes shape.

📍 Sedgemoor Venue 075 –King John's Hunting Lodge, Axbridge
📅 Somerset Art Weeks Festival | 19 September–4 October
🎨 Somerset Art Works Micro-Commission

What object would tell the story of your connection to Somerset?

05/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome multi award winning author Jasbinder BIlan to spearhead the Family Friendly element of this year’s Somerset Art Week Festival.

Jasbinder has written several award-winning novels, including "Asha and the Spirit Bird," which won the Costa Children's Book Award in 2019 and was selected as "Children's book of the week" by The Times and The Sunday Times

She will be this year's Young People’s Patron, which is a perfect role for her with her passion for storytelling and natural connection with children and sparking their imaginations.

Jasbinder does a lot of “think-writing” when she begins a story and buys a special notebook - with plain paper so she can draw, stick interesting things into it, and be messy! The Family Friendly events at the Somerset Art Weeks Festival provides a platform to create - ideas, stories, art - anything that fires the imagination, and we are excited to be part of this extraordinary journey of discovery.

Jasbinder has a new book - Girl With A Sabretooth Tiger - coming out in October - watch this space!

Costa Book Awards Book Club

03/06/2026

❓What is Somerset Art Weeks Festival❓

It’s discovering places you’ve never visited, creative activities you’re yet to explore.

It’s meeting the artists and makers on your doorstep, trying your hand at a new skill or process, or simply a fun-filled day out with family and friends.

➡️ 2 weeks | 90+ exhibitions, events, and workshops ⬅️

Whether you're passionate about art or just curious to explore, Somerset Art Weeks Festival offers opportunities to see new things, meet interesting people and experience Somerset from a different perspective.

Follow us as we share ideas for days out, inspiring places to visit and everything you need to know about Somerset Art Weeks Festival 2026.

30/05/2026

The doors may have closed on our 'Legacy in Making' exhibition at the Somerset Rural Life Museum, but the impact of this project is only just beginning.

The legacy of Making exhibition brought together former Guild members, master craftspeople, and the 2025 SAW × SCG Emerging Maker Bursary artists. Together, they represented the depth of Somerset’s craft heritage and the innovation shaping its future.
If you missed the exhibition you can still catch up online
📺 Watch the project films: https://youtu.be/dWxh3OEj00k?si=rGvrFCp-mjAXF-bf
💬 Did you visit? We’d love to hear which piece or story resonated with you most in the comments below.

As one door closes, another opens. We’re excited to continue our work with Somerset Rural Life Museum — and we’ll soon be sharing news about the upcoming Somerset Art Weeks Festival.

Address

Langport Town Hall
Langport
TA109PR

Telephone

+44 1458 253800

Website

http://somersetartworks.org.uk/

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