Art workshops coming to Exchange

Image illustrating the Herd at the Exchange event

The Exchange is bringing The Herds, a groundbreaking public art and climate initiative, to Bexley.

They will be giving local families a chance to participate in this worldwide arts project through a series of engaging workshops at Erith’s Old Library during this May half-term.

Sarah Batten, founding co-director of the Exchange, said:

The Herds is an incredible and beautiful campaign that unites people across the world in a joint creative response to the risks of climate change, initiating locally rooted projects that respond to very different habitats and possibilities. We are so pleased to have gained support from the Art Fund enabling Bexley to join The Herds."

Residents will be able to explore the habitats and homes of some of the world's most incredible animals, like puffins, sea turtles and hedgehogs through creative puppet making workshops and have opportunities to meet some of the artists working on this international project.

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, said:

I'm delighted The Exchange have been able to bring The Herds to Bexley, giving local people a chance to take part in this landmark project that creatively responds to the important issue of worldwide climate change. I highly recommend a visit to The Old Library in Erith where there is a wealth of arts, crafts and cultural events.

The events are featured in our #CelebratingBexley programme, along with many more opportunities to explore and enjoy culture in Bexley.

The events are featured in our #CelebratingBexley programme, along with many more opportunities to explore and enjoy culture in Bexley.”

The workshops taking place this month include:

  • Happy Homes for Hedgehogs - Saturday May 24, 11am
  • Puffin Finger Puppets – Wednesday May 28, 10am
  • Puppeteer Films – 28 to 31 May (during opening hours)
  • Build a Hedgehog Home – Wednesday May 28, 10.30am
  • Save the Sea Turtles - Friday May 30, 10am

The Exchange is also running woodwork workshops to create Hedgehog Houses in collaboration with Men in Sheds.

These houses will be distributed around Bexley, making forever homes in the Borough for our prickly friends.

The Herds project seeks to highlight the impact of climate change with lifesize puppet animals travelling 20,000km from the Congo Basin to the Arctic circles.

#CelebratingBexley shines a light on the people and places that make Bexley special.