The film above shares the process and experience of delivering two socially engaged co-commissions as part of the Navigating the New Normal Programme, funded by the Rothchild Foundation and Buckinghamshire Council.
For these two projects, Buckinghamshire Culture worked closely with voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to shape two different socially engaged commissions. In each case the VCSE organisation was supported to shape an artist brief, commission an artist and participate in delivery of a new artwork. This was a new way of working for the organisations involved.
Project partners in the project ‘Homeless’ were Aylesbury Homeless Action and Wycombe Homeless Connection.
Multi award-winning photographer Craig Easton has been working with Aylesbury Homeless Action Group and Wycombe Homeless Connection. All project partners were keen to share the powerful stories in a new way, putting the individuals at the heart of the work – all of whom have had a very difficult time during Covid-19. Craig was co-commissioned by AHAG, WHC and Buckinghamshire Culture to work with individuals to give them a voice and to raise awareness and encourage the public to view homeless people with greater insight and understanding. Alongside the photographs, each individual’s personal story has been sensitively captured in text and audio, highlighting the often complex circumstances that have led to these situations.
The second project ‘Autumn’ resulted in a nature inspired wall installation that will be on permanent display in Stoke Mandeville A&E department. Project partner was Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
The artwork for the project was created through three workshops led by artist Kerry Lemon and her mentee, BNU fine art student Ella Woodcock. Patients from the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC), Care of the Elderly and the Children’s wards, as well as staff from across the Trust were invited to create colourful works of art inspired by, and using materials from, trees in the local area and particularly those in Horatio’s Garden at the NSIC. Their creations were then curated by Kerry for the final art installation.
The video has interviews with representatives of the project partner, the artists and gives an idea of how each of them benefited from the project. It also gives an idea of the concept of co-commissions and draws the line to the importance of similar projects in the context of the work of Buckinghamshire Culture and the implementation of the Cultural Strategy.
You can find out some additional information on both projects below.
Homeless – Exhibitions of Co-Commissions
Multi award-winning photographer Craig Easton was co-commissioned by Aylesbury Homeless Action Group (AHAG), Wycombe Homeless Connection (WHC) and Buckinghamshire Culture to work with individuals who have experienced homelessness, recording their stories and personal experiences of homelessness through photographs, text and audio.
The resulting exhibition was on view at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury from November until February, and then moved to Wycombe Arts Centre for a run from February to March.
All project partners were keen to share the powerful stories in a new way, putting the individuals at the heart of the work – all of whom have had a very difficult time during Covid-19. Craig was co-commissioned by AHAG, WHC and Buckinghamshire Culture to work with individuals to give them a voice and to raise awareness and encourage the public to view homeless people with greater insight and understanding. Large portraits ensure that the individuals who are often unseen are made visible, and the text and audio of each individual’s often complex story.
Alongside the photographs, each individual’s personal story has been sensitively captured in text and audio, highlighting the often complex circumstances that have led to these situations.
Craig Easton’s work is deeply rooted in the documentary tradition. He shoots long-term documentary projects exploring issues around social policy, identity and a sense of place. Known for his intimate portraits and expansive landscape, his work regularly combines these elements with reportage approaches to storytelling, often working collaboratively with others to incorporate words, pictures and audio in a research-based practice that weaves a narrative between contemporary experience and history.
James Boultbee, CEO, Wycombe Homeless Connection and Aylesbury Homeless Action group explains “As well as providing support for people who are homeless, our charities also aim to share what we know about homelessness with local people who want to know more. Facts and figures are part of that but I think anyone who comes to see the exhibition will agree that it offers the chance for local people to look closer. These are the words and pictures of real people who wanted to share their stories with you and I think there is a great opportunity to form deeper understanding and connection with issues involved with homelessness here. WHC and AHAG do need your support to keep providing help but first we wanted to simply give people a chance to connect with the issue and Craig has done that so well”.
Buckinghamshire Culture Co-Chair, Julius Weinberg said
“Art and culture has a unique way of speaking to people, raising awareness of the world around us and giving people a voice. This project has done just that. Working with Wycombe Homeless Connection and Aylesbury Homeless Action Group, Buckinghamshire Culture has been able to fundraise and support commissioning Craig, who has addressed this aim so successfully. We hope it will also inspire other organisations to work with cultural organisations to achieve their objectives in innovative and life-changing ways”.
The project has been funded by Rothschild Foundation as part of a larger project, aiming to support the cultural sector and their partners after the pandemic and encouraging organisations to use culture to contribute to fulfilling their agendas.
Co-commission Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Buckinghamshire Culture – Autumn – Kerry Lemon
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Buckinghamshire Culture unveiled a new permanent art installation near the Emergency Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital on Thursday 8 December 2022.
The two organisations, funded by Rothschild Foundation and Buckinghamshire Council, co-commissioned artist Kerry Lemon to use the creative arts to support wellbeing by working with people in a healthcare setting. The project was also designed to show pride in Buckinghamshire and the BHT community, which led Kerry to research tree varieties native to the county.
The artwork for the project was created through three workshops led by Kerry and her mentee, BNU fine art student Ella Woodcock. Patients from the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC), Care of the Elderly and the Children’s wards, as well as staff from across the Trust were invited to create colourful works of art inspired by, and using materials from, trees in the local area and particularly those in Horatio’s Garden at the NSIC. Their creations were then curated by Kerry for the final art installation.
At the unveiling celebration Dr Alison Graham, Consultant Physician at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are pleased to unveil this beautiful display near our busy Emergency Department today. Not only will it offer a new space for reflection and finding inspiration, I hope it also reminds people of the amazing therapeutic benefits creative activities can have. Making the art for this installation gave our patients and staff a chance to express emotions, try something new, have fun in a sociable setting and maybe even discover a hidden talent. So, thank you to the very talented Kerry Lemon for guiding them through this creative journey and to the Council and Rothschild Foundation for making it possible.”
Bill Morris, Co-Chair of Buckinghamshire Culture said
“Kerry Lemon, patients and staff here have created a beautiful piece, which will be uplifting, inspiring and give staff and patients a sense of pride, particularly following the impact of the pandemic and the ongoing pressures. We hope that it will also inspire other organisations to work with artists and cultural partners in the county to help our residents live healthier and happier lives. It has been a pleasure to work with Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to commission this work and we are very grateful to Buckinghamshire Council and Rothschild Foundation for funding this project.”
Artist Kerry Lemon said:
“I was so honoured to be commissioned for this piece. Working with the patients, gardeners, volunteers, visitors, families and staff at the hospital to engage with the trees and plants in Horatio’s Garden, and lead them in a simple art activity, was very rewarding. To now see the creations from those workshops turned into a permanent legacy is really special.”
The pilot project was funded by Rothchild Foundation
Buckinghamshire Culture 
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