Water Histories
A Culturally Chard community project coordinated by Somerset Art Works, April 2022 – May 2023
Lead Artist: Anna Chrystal Stephens
Somerset Art Works Project Manager: Beccy Swaine
Culturally Chard is the Chard High Street Heritage Action Zone cultural programme, funded by Historic England, Arts Council England and the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Somerset Art Works is lead arts partner. https://culturallychard.org/
Following an application and interview process Somerset Art Works appointed Anna Chrystal Stephens for the Water Histories Commission in Chard.
‘During the project I will be working with young people from Chard on a series of participatory activities, carrying out mapping, tracking and tracing expeditions, recording actions with notes, photography and video. We will explore the waterways and water pipes in the town centre, following hidden parts as well as the water above ground, investigating where water enters a building and where waterways cross. I am excited to explore Chard’s water histories and to learn more about the town centre.
My practice is concerned with relationships between people and the natural environment, survival and sustainability. I use photography, sculpture and action to explore ecology and living strategies; I am interested in ancient histories and the transition between urban and rural settings.’ annachrystal.com
Water Histories 