From April 2021 Peterborough Cultural Strategy Group (CSG) (a partnership between the City Council, Arts Council England, Nene Park Trust, Metal and other cultural organisations) commissioned local artists to inform the 10-year strategy for Peterborough. (You can read more about this context on the page on What We Did about the process of developing the Strategy.)
Kate Genever, Madhu Manipatruni, Vicky Wild and Aryana Ramkhalawon, Kristine Vaivode, Wanja Kimani and Dan butt have been creatively researching and capturing the ideas that people share on the themes of heritage, open spaces, venues and festivals. The project aims to give voice to those that have not been involved in Cultural Strategy consultations to date. Together with lead artist Kate Genever, Metal has been supporting the artists to generate conversations about culture within their existing networks. These conversations will provide insights to help create a vision of what culture in Peterborough might look like in the future.
These works are a call to arms. They invite responsible action. And just like the landscapes and people I have met they come alive in the hands of many.
Kate Genever
I believe a reflection of myself in the museum says something about taking up space, about being seen.
Wanja Kimani
I have depicted the story of the women I’ve been talking to, including myself.
Madhu Manipatruni
We all crave to connect with someone in a meaningful way. To be listened to, but more so – to be heard. To be seen, but more so – to be acknowledged.
Kristine Vaivode
Something had to change. We needed to connect with people.
Vicky Wild & Aryana Ramkhalawon
To be able to have this creative outlet has been invaluable to me at this time. With Kate’s help it has really made me think about culture in Peterborough along with how people enjoy open spaces.
Dan Butt
Artists in conversation with the steering group
As a part of the project artists shared their results with the steering group, they had discussions about their recommendations and findings. These conversations where documented by artist John Elson which you can find here.
