There is quite a champion in our midst – and we have championed them before.
This is the Sidmouth School of Art: “intriguing, fun and curious” [Sidmouth Solarpunk].
Two years ago, they were showcasing art celebrating the community’s volunteers [Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards]
And this week, they have been putting on free half-term workshops: where art and nature meet [Vision Group for Sidmouth]
One of these projects – the COP 30 | Sidmouth School Of Art workshop – has been put together in collaboration with the Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub.
Several of the team behind the School are also part of the SCCB, which has been active for well over a decade now – and which has been behind another vibrant success, namely Sidmouth Sea Fest.
Back in 2021, the chair of the VGS did an interview with Cllr Louise Cole: on bouncing back and discovering new alternatives., where she talked about community and resilience – and the projects she has been at the forefront of.
Louise is one of the founding members of these now-solid institutions which lie at the heart of community life in the Sid Valley – and earlier this year “a special recognition award for an outstanding contribution to arts & culture was won by Louise Cole from Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub and Sidmouth School of Art” when the Arts & Culture East Devon’s volunteer of the year was announced – as also featured on the Champions Awards blog pages.
What is particularly inspiring is that the Sidmouth Sea Fest [and SCCH] are also a Changemaker Champions.
Sidmouth Sea Fest: A Celebration of Community and Coastal Conservation
Welcome to Sidmouth Sea Fest, an annual community event dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and celebrating the beauty of East Devon’s marine and coastal environment. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, Sidmouth Sea Fest brings people together to foster a deeper connection with the sea and inspire positive actions for a better future whilst having fun!
Commitment to Sustainability:
Sidmouth Sea Fest (produced by Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub CIC) are committed to reducing their ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
As Louise has said to the VGS: “all our projects and particularly Sea Fest are rooted in sustainable practices holistically in terms of people and place, wellbeing and environment.”
The Sea Fest and SCCH are just one of several Sidmouth Changemaker Champions which are “leading the way in sustainable, inclusive and accessible tourism for all” [with a further Changemaker Champions Directory from the town council].
An excellent standard to aim for – so well done the Sea Fest, the Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub and, by extension, the Sidmouth School of Art!
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