We like to explore the unknown.
We think carefully about where and how to begin an adventure, then we set off hand-in-hand with new friends.
We like to explore the unknown…
Terrestrial commissions and produces ambitious arts projects in the south west of England. These projects might result in a performance, a film, or a community feast, but they always begin with a journey into the unknown.
We think that artists are great explorers. They are brilliant at leading people towards unfamiliar terrain – sniffing out important questions, sharing skills, gently crafting stories, getting the party started.
We believe that creative exploration should be open to everyone; we support artists to collaborate with people who might not normally go on – or feel like they’re invited on – these kinds of adventures.
…We think carefully about where and how to begin an adventure…
Our first projects were rooted in Weston-super-Mare. With a lively and fast-growing population, loads of brilliant community activity, and an inspiring natural landscape, we believe Weston was the perfect place to launch Terrestrial’s work.
After two years of research and relationship-building, we produced four major projects in Weston across 2018-19, each co-created by artists and community groups. We also helped to establish Weston Artspace, a new community artist studio at the heart of the High Street. Along the way we hosted parties, pop-ups, feasts, talks, council meetings and performances.
Throughout 2020-21 we supported projects that took place across England, focusing on ways for artists to collaborate with communities on their doorsteps during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our home is now Frome in Somerset, where we work with a wonderful group of partners. Here we’ve created a festival in the forest, supported artists to dream up new community projects, and transformed classrooms into factories of storytelling.
We follow wherever the exploration leads, so if you’ve got an idea for something in the south west that you think fits with our vision, please get in touch.
…Then we set off hand-in-hand with new friends.
Every project we produce brings together innovative artists with people who have limited experience of, or access to, the arts. Whenever we can, we do this through partnerships with on-the-ground local groups: from gardening clubs to housing associations. So we might, for example, support a theatre company and a primary school to work on a show over the course of a year, or bring together a small charity and a group of artists to make a film with isolated older people.
We collaborate with strategic partners, such as local authorities, to consider the role that culture plays in people’s lives. We see the impact that the arts can have on health and wellbeing, jobs and skills, local pride and community cohesion, and the vibrancy of areas. And we like to help other people develop their own explorations - find out more about our consultancy here.
We never stray too far from the adventure – gathering people to dance, paint, write, sing, photograph, cook, share and explore together.
Thank you
Terrestrial’s work is supported using public funds from Arts Council England, and has previously been funded by Jerwood Arts and North Somerset Council.
Top image: Spy Day (Nigel Barrett & Louise Mari with ELAN Schools), photo by Paul Blakemore. Bottom image: Research Residency, photo by Megan Clark Bagnall.