Story of Yeovil

A new community arts and heritage project for Yeovil will be launched on Friday 20 January at The Octagon Theatre.

Members of the local community are invited to find out more about the Story of Yeovil and to get involved in the project.

Working with the University of the West of England Regional History Centre, and a number of local organisations, groups and schools, ‘Story of Yeovil’ will bring a programme of events, talks, displays and more to Yeovil residents and visitors from further afield in the next 18 months until March 2024. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will give local people the opportunity to contribute their own stories and to be part of the project by taking part in community workshops and events.

The launch event will include the opportunity to hear from a panel of guest speakers who play an important part in the project:

• Steve Poole, Rose Wallis and Laura Harrison from the Regional History Centre at the University of West of England, who will be discussing ‘what is heritage?’, and why community heritage matters now.    
• Local historian Bob Osborn, founder of Yeovil’s Virtual Museum will be sharing his personal journey of collecting and researching the history of Yeovil.
• Joseph Lewis from the South Somerset Heritage Collection will explore some of the key themes of Yeovil’s history.

Yeovil Art Space Project Director, Zoe Li says of the coming event,

“This is a great opportunity for everyone to share their knowledge and interest in Yeovil’s history and heritage and to find out more about the Story of Yeovil project and how to be involved.  We are keen to welcome members of communities across Yeovil to encourage a diverse and wide ranging variety of perspectives.”

The launch event takes place from 3 to 5pm on Friday 20 January in the Johnson Suite at The Octagon Theatre.

This is an open event for conversation, exchange of ideas  and to share connections. The event is free to attend: to ensure a place please email info@yeovilartspace.uk

Ends

Yeovil Art Space is a charity organisation and a creative hub in Yeovil, which aims to bring art and creativity to the local community and visitors. Projects are run in partnership with organisations, businesses, groups and individuals to provide arts and cultural activities for people of all ages. Activities include participatory events, learning workshops, art exhibitions and showcasing work in other locations in the town.      

Yeovil Art Space was established through a partnership between Eastville Project Space, Yeovil Creatives and Quedam Shopping Centre. It is run by a voluntary working group of arts professionals living in and around Yeovil.Yeovil Art Space has received funding support from The Yeovil Town Council, South Somerset District Council, National Lottery Community Fund, Somerset Community Foundation, South Somerset District Council, Abri’s Community Funding and Arts Council England.