As part of the Learning and Participation programme of the 2017 Festival, Animating the Archives will allow local community groups unprecedented access to a treasure-trove of some of Salisbury’s most fascinating historical artefacts.
Rarely-seen manuscripts, letters and documents stored in the Cathedral will be explored by five groups, each paired with an artist and tasked with creating performances, exhibitions and online resources inspired by what they find.
A seminar will be held on 9 June to celebrate the creative journey of the previous 6 months, as well as explore what has been learned about the relationship between heritage and the arts.
Salisbury Cathedral’s outreach work for 2017 centres around the theme of memory, and the aim of this newly-announced project is to bring the archives of the Cathedral to life, whilst finding new and inspiring ways for the wider community to interact with them.
Salisbury Festival Learning and Participation Manager Sophie Amstell said: “What excites me most about this project is that it will use multiple art forms to bring this important archive collection to life. I can’t wait to see what the community groups each create and I’m looking forward immensely to their exhibitions and performances.”
Salisbury Cathedral Archivist Emily Naish said: “Archives are often thought of as dusty and a little bit dull so it’s very exciting that the Cathedral archive is going to be central to such an innovative and creative project.”
The Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival runs from 26 May – 10 June. For more information please visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk