Sidmouth Makes Art (SMArt)

The CODEX Project is a collaboration with Sidmouth College students and Sidmouth School of Art.  Traditional and digital forms combine innovatively to express identity. The project takes inspiration from 'The Thamesmead Codex' by artist Bob & Roberta Smith and explores a range of techniques and processes including digital print, typography, photography and experimental printing using gelli plates.

The Sidmouth Festival of Flags collectively tells a story about our place.  

32 Community groups and schools in Sidmouth took part in the first year of this public art project. Together we created and displayed these newly designed banners throughout the summer season for all to enjoy.  Through this collaboration we are making Sidmouth the artwork and inspiring the community to get creative.

A pop-up event.  Curated by David Bellingham in which found objects were reimagined through an inventive approach to materials and playful conversation. In our museum, the exhibits were illuminated through a focus on their actuality rather than their prior usage or history - with an emphasis on things as they are rather than things as they were.  

The Peace Gardens Mural project, led by artist Sophie Larter, is an expression of what Dissenters Hall in all its diversity means to the local community.  

Sidmouth's town square is home to two iconic telephone boxes which have been restored and transformed into art spaces that feature Antiquities and Contemporary Art.

This public walkway from the Ham playpark to Alma Bridge that was once unloved now features outdoor galleries and a brass rubbing trail, plus new railings, lighting, seating, planters and signage.

Artist-led workshops are an opportunity to share techniques and build the skills of artists. We were delighted to welcome Wilfrid Wood to run these workshops and celebrate the contributions of volunteers who enhance the quality of life locally. 

Kat's workshop at Buzz Coffee in Sidmouth gave volunteers in our community a wonderful opportunity to have a go at self-portrait exercises, with the aims of fostering creativity and confidence. As part of the Celebrating Volunteers project.

Through our artist led workshops sharing new techniques and building skills of local artists, we celebrate the contribution all those who volunteer bring to enhance the quality of life locally.