Office Art for Cornwall Wildlife Trust at GE Money Truro (2011)

In July 2011 I was artist in residence for a week at the GE offices in Truro.

A partnership project with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the aim of the project was to raise awareness of Cornwall’s precious marine environment and create two windbreaks and bunting for Cornwall Wildlife Trust to use at events.

An initial presentation by Angie Gall from CWT and myself set the scene for the week contextually and practically.

The call centre posed an unusual and potentially challenging workshop setting. After much discussion I decided to run a relaxed bunting workshop which could take place around the call centre during the week, as and when participants had time. Packs were distributed to call centre teams which contained bunting pieces, wildlife information and inspiration, and appropriate materials. The results were beautiful and diverse, with call centre staff doodling, drawing and colouring at their desks!

I was located in the ‘chill-out room’ where staff could drop in during the week to contribute to the windbreaks. CWT Marine Conservation Officers were on hand to answer wildlife questions, recruit new volunteers and cast their expert eyes over the creation of the marine inspired designs on the windbreaks.

Over 100 office staff participated in the project, creating two stunning windbreaks and many metres of bunting. Huge thanks to all who contributed. CWT is already using and enjoying the results!

 

Quotes
"Interesting project, engaged many people, many smiles captured within the art environment. Beautiful!"
"…Inspirational; nice to have a bone fide artist and Wildlife Trust Marine Biologist. …very calming.."
"I enjoyed it as I haven’t done art for a long time – I don’t do this normally – so it was an opportunity to try something new.."
"Really really fun, made a lot of people think", "felt it was really worth while"
"People who didn’t think that they were arty or good at drawing have surprised themselves and have been enthusiastic at getting involved and getting their creative caps on."
"Thank you Kim – you made the whole thing work, look beautiful and bring everyone along so well and I can’t think of words to say how delighted I am!"
"People are still talking about it here – the week has given a buzz that has helped to bring the team together, introduced people to the fun side of work and enabled a spot of creativity in what some may see as a very sterile working environment."
"I hope more offices get the idea!"