FILLING town spaces and windows of empty shops with local artwork would brighten the town and be good for mental health say local councillors.
A Melksham Hearts Arts Project was discussed at a meeting of the town council’s community development committee last month. Councillors have asked the town clerk if £5,000 can be made available for the community arts scheme. They are keen to involve as many members of the community as possible to take part.
The council’s community development officer, Miriam Zaccarelli, who has experience in arts projects, showed images of ideas she has, including asking residents to make a small square to anyone they want to say thank you to, with the total picture being pixilated and displayed,
Cllr Hayley Illman described the project as “absolutely fantastic.” She said she would like to see local schools and care homes involved, suggesting that post-it notes could be sent out to residents who could produce their message and send them back to the council.
Other ideas for the arts project included a living wall. Cllr Kathy Iles, a member of Bloom in Melksham, said that Bradford on Avon had a ‘living wall’ of plants which grew in planters fixed to a frame which was attached to a wall. “We could produce something like that,” she said.
Cllr Sue Brown said she had been asking local business about using their windows over the previous few weeks. She said some of the meetings had been frustrating such as larger businesses, which she described as not having the community spirit. However, she said she was determined to continue, saying “All is not lost.” She also stressed that the artwork would be exhibited only and would not be for sale.
Cllr Brown said she would like to see local artwork displayed as now the town has lost the ArtHouse cafe. Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said that the new community hub, which will take over the ArtHouse premises, will continue to display local artwork on its walls. Cllr Brown suggested that the new campus may also be able to exhibit artwork. Cllr Vanessa Fiorelli also suggested the Market Place could be used as a temporary exhibition site.
