The Living Garden: Introduction

JANUARY – OCTOBER 2021
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THE LIVING GARDEN

Urban green spaces have become ever more important in terms of health and wellbeing, and we are just beginning to understand the expanded role that city green spaces play in supporting the better health of city dwellers. The Living Garden project is an opportunity to develop a programme of activity for The Spode Rose Garden in Stoke-upon-Trent, to really understand the resource assets of this beautiful garden.

Through a series of workshops which activate the garden, and events which bring people in to consider the garden as a resource throughout 2021, the garden will be revealed as a true space of collaboration, development and creativity.

Alongside the workshop series, Ceramic Artist JO MILLS will develop a brand new public art work for the garden, for and with its users.

From January 2021 a programme of activity will aim to use all of our human senses to explore the material qualities of the garden, as a space for humans to come together, experience nature, relax in a green environment and connect with trees, plants and wildlife.

Supported by Arts Council Enlgland, The Living Garden is a programme of activity in collaboration with The Friends of Spode Garden, developed by artist Anna Francis and supported by AirSpace Gallery.

Look out for future workshops for the garden via AirSpace Gallery website and Social Media Platforms.

The first workshop as part of The Living Garden project will explore the history and physical qualities of the garden via the sense of smell. Collaborating with Clara Weale of A Library of Olfactive Material, this online workshop will enable us to be transported to the beautiful summer garden, even in the depths of winter, via our computer screens and pre-posted workshop materials.

Clara Weale is a scent designer based in Glasgow. She works to connect people to this often overlooked sense, through participatory projects, installations and workshops. Clara is the Director of A Library of Olfactive Material, a resource for scent education, exploration and experimentation.

During the workshop we will experience a range of scents, and learn about the history of these perfume materials, as well as exploring together the thoughts and impressions that arise. There will be opportunity to ask questions and discuss Scent and The Garden as a group.

1. Saturday, 23rd January, 2021, 7pm – 8pm: The Smell of the Rose Garden with A Library of Olfactive Material. Cost: £15 via event brite.

Further workshops in wreath making, rose pruning, creature creation, raku ceramics COMING SOON