In anticipation of Wicken Fen’s 125th Anniversary of becoming the first National Trust nature reserve, Babylon ARTS were invited by Wicken Fen to lead creative conversations with local communities.
Led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite, people created their own ‘future artefact’. Over 350 of these artifacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery alongside work from local artists inspired by the beauty and spirit of Wicken Fen.
Wicken Fen, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife.
There are more than 9000 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and
dragonflies.
Taking inspiration from the site, a series of workshops led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite
explored what people might find around Wicken Fen in another 125 years, and what it
might tell them about our lives today. Participants at Burwell Carnival, Cavalry Primary School, Ely Markets, Ely Job Centre, Prospects Trust, Soham Village College and Wicken Fen sculpted their own ‘future artefacts’ using black grogged stoneware clay.
Throughout this, conversations arose about Wicken Fen, showing just how loved it is by
local people.
“I know it as a place to reconnect with my soul” said one participant,
“a place of wonderment and also of silence.”
To celebrate the work from these workshops, which took place in the summer of 2023, over
350 of these artefacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery, alongside work from local artists inspired by the beauty and spirit of Wicken Fen.
‘Future Artefacts’ is on from 5th January 2024 at Babylon Gallery until 28th January 2024.
Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.
Press release from Babylon ARTS
[top right] – Mike Selby
[bottom left] – Mike Selby
[bottom right] – Richard Heeps
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