Southside teamed up recently with Bath Mind, The Carers’ Centre and The Holburne Museum to bring the art of the doodle to the communities of Bath and North East Somerset.
The Holburne Museum is currently host to the first large scale exhibition of the work of Mr Doodle, AKA Sam Cox the UWE trained artist who has taken the street art aesthetic of Keith Haring – and gone running into touch for the 21st Century.
“It’s all about making the museum, and art itself, accessible for the local communities,” said Southside Operations Director Lucy Fordham of the initiative. “Art and art museums can feel a little exclusive and intimidating for some. There’s so much great stuff on our doorstep. Everyone should be able to experience art.”
On a beautiful Friday in the Holburne’s lovely gardens, families were invited to get involved in the kind of work exemplified by Mr Doodle. There was much montage, cutting out and colouring, and badge making, as well as the characteristic monochrome doodle lines inspired by the man himself.
Anna-Louise Highley is Learning and Engagement Officer at The Holburne. “With Doodlefest, the idea is that we offer an exciting and free Doodle-inspired day. Everything is free, there’s an afternoon tea and travel is all included. There are many barriers to getting to this side of Bath and we’re thrilled to have such an accessible tiptoe into the art world via this kind of work. It’s a great way to experience the museum in a new and exciting way…”
An amazing atmosphere saw curious kids and their families really get their hands inky – and before the delicious tea captured their attention, they wandered wild and free in the Holburne’s gardens – and in the museum itself.
“It’s amazing that Mr Doodle was allowed to scribble on the walls and put up his right next to these very old paintings.” said Sinead, aged 13, from Twerton, staring whilst looking at the Atrium walls of the Museum, which had been Doodled upon within an inch of their lives.
“Some of the barriers to coming to a place like this can be in your own mind”, said Anna Lees, of partner charity Bath Mind. She explains, “Some of them can be very tangible and practical. Cost, location, and the content of the art itself can also be very real barriers. she continued. Art can be so healing and joyful. This kind of initiative is a great way to open that up to people…”
”We were so lucky to have beautiful weather and there was a really lovely atmosphere in the Holburne’s gardens with people enjoying picnics on the lawn, children playing, families taking part in the activities and people socialising,” said Carla Senior. Carla is Wellbeing Officer for The Carers’ Centre. “It was great to work with Southside and Bath Mind to raise awareness of our respective organisations. Already looking forward to the next one!”
