Project Updates
Project Updates
Artist Andy Knill with some of the pupils enjoying Outdoor Classroom DayEducational engagement
Dorset Coast Forum recognise that local Swanage schools and organisations will be interested in the project and the outcomes for Swanage both for coastal flood protection and public realm improvements. We encourage inquisitive minds to get involved and once again celebrated Outdoor Classroom Day 2023 on 23 November 2023 with a STEM guided walk for KS2-5 along the new art trail - the 5th free event of this kind we have hosted in Swanage.
Storm Ciaran had meant the original date of 2 November had been rescheduled but that just added to the impact! Over 150 local school pupils enjoyed our 'talking art walk' with a coastal flood theme led by art trail artist Andy Knill and DCF Project Officer Sara. Andy was able to explain how Storm Ciaran had not only moved but flipped two of the temporary wave barriers at the Monkey Beach location - we were able to discuss with the pupils the extensive flooding and consequent damage that would have happened at this location had the temporary wave barriers not been in place.
Contact Sara to find out more or to book your 1 hour learning session outdoors on the next Outdoor Classroom Day on 23 May 2024.
Flooding Swanage with Art
As part of the Swanage Town Coastal Protection Scheme the Environment Agency currently install temporary wave barriers during the winter months to protect the town from flood risk.
Street artist Tom Phillipscreating one of the panels inspired by work from Y9 art pupils at Swanage SchoolA recent disability report commissioned by Swanage Town Council highlighted that the barriers are too grey for the visually impaired to safely see the contrast between the concrete blocks and the pavement. As a result, a community art project was created using art murals on the blocks for both a specific visual impact for the visually impaired; and also to enhance the town using artistic creativity to raise awareness of the impact of sea level rise and coastal flooding.
Installed in 4 locations along the seafront the art trail is one of the most ambitious community art projects in Dorset. Completed and installed in late October 2023 it is accompanied with a printed art trail leaflet available from the Swanage Information Centre, Swanage Library and local shops and businesses. The trail is also available in electronic format on this webpage here. A larger font guide for the visually impaired will soon be available at the Swanage Information Centre.
Combining the creative talent of 6 local artists, 3 schools, Swanage Youth Club, Swanage Scouts and Swanage community group Allsort'd, the project has gratefully received financial support from the Environment Agency and local sponsors.
Guided Talking Art Walks suitable for all ages, and designed to bring the art to life for anyone with a visual impairment, will be available once a month from November to February 2024, check out the events section for details. Led by one of our local project artists, Andy Knill.
Flooding Swanage with Art with be available to view throughout autumn/winter 2023-4 and also autumn winter 2024-5.