Free mosaics workshops in Marsh Churches this Summer
The artists behind The Marsh Mosaics, are running free mosaics workshops at locations on Romney Marsh this Summer, funded by Arts Council England. Workshops will take place at New Romney (St. Nicholas) on 14th August and Ivychurch (St. George’s) on 22nd August, as well as other locations around New Romney. Suitable for all abilities participants will practice by making a coaster, which they can take away, before adding some tiles to a community mosaic for New Romney. Book here.
Artists from Teach Me studios in New Romney, have been funding from Arts Council England to develop a Town Identifier public sculpture, in collaboration with local community participants, inspired by the town’s unique heritage.
Other locations for the public workshops include New Romney Station and Marsh Leisure Centre (Marsh Academy).
The project follows the success of The Marsh Mosaics project, which saw a new community artwork created for each of Romney Marsh’s 14 medieval churches, part-funded by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust. In 2024, the artists also created 17 mosaic panels for the Oaklands Park Bandstand in Hythe.
The Marsh Mosaic for St. Mary’s, East Guldeford
Further information about New Romney Town Identifier Project
Topped by an ironwork design consistent with other marsh villages, the base will be decorated by a community mosaic celebrating the unique heritage of the ancient Cinque Port town. Using the same successful methodology developed during The Marsh Mosaics project, 14 days of free mosaics workshops are taking place at accessible venues in and around New Romney, including several sessions in partnership with local community groups and schools.
Guided by professional artists, participants will learn about the art of mosaic-making and practice their skills by making a coaster which they can take away afterwards. They will then add some tiles to the New Romney Town Identifier mosaic, under the guidance of professional artists.
During an initial phase from January 2024 to late Spring, the lead artists worked with New Romney Town Council to finalise and approve the designs and location. Participatory workshops are taking place during the summer months, with installation in the early Autumn and a launch event for the new public artwork proposed for early November. Further details will be announced in due course.
Accompanying digital resources to document the project will create additional legacy and act as a positive example of community engagement, encouraging further collaborative projects and grants for the area in the future.
The project connects with The New Romney Heritage Trail, developed by the Fifth Continent Landscape Partnership Scheme with New Romney Town Council and partners.
