Known as ‘The Resident Platform’, the project was recently launched by Cheriton-based arts company Strange Cargo. Over the next three years, a series of 12 artist residencies will result in the sculptures being displayed on the 24 obsolete roof canopy supports that line the outer walls of the station buildings.
Professional artist Charley Vines was the first to accept a residency. She spent time in Cheriton to learn about the town, meeting and engaging with local people to enable her to create a new piece of art.
Brigitte Orasinski, Artistic Director at Strange Cargo, said: “Working with Charley Vines has been brilliant. She has made a beautiful and thoughtful sculpture for the station and has engaged with the local community as part of her residency in the town.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Southeastern and are grateful they have provided a home for the growing sculpture project at Folkestone West station. Over time, we hope it will grow into a new cultural destination for the town, built around the involvement of local people.”
The second artwork, known as ‘The Pincushion’, was made by Strange Cargo with 20 local residents aged between 10 and 75 years, reflecting their personal stories as lockdown lifted. It provides a glimpse into everyday Cheriton life with its many pins supporting small sculptures created as personal reflections on the town. They include the best conker tree, the view from someone’s lockdown window and Cheriton’s multicultural cuisine.
Nikki Causer, Head of Marketing at Southeastern, said: “Folkestone has become a cultural hub in recent years, offering an incredible variety of art, events and activities across the town. It is an honour to host The Resident Platform at Folkestone West Station and to be able to showcase such a wonderful community focused project.
“Art can help bring communities together, so we are very pleased to be a part of that, especially after such a difficult time during the pandemic. We’re very much looking forward to seeing how the project progresses and seeing our station buildings being brought to life by the new sculptures.”
The project is being supported by Arts Council England, Kent County Council and Folkestone Town Council and curated by Richie Moment and Andrew Baldwin.
Picture captions:
Nikki Causer with The Pincushion: Nikki Causer, Head of Marketing at Southeastern, with ‘The Pincushion’ sculpture which has been installed at Folkestone West.
Brigitte, Nikki & Charley (L-R): Brigitte Orasinski, Artistic Director at Strange Cargo; Nikki Causer, Head of Marketing at Southeastern; and professional artist Charley Vines with the first two sculptures to be installed at Folkestone West.
Local residents with The Pincushion: Some of the Cheriton residents who contributed to making ‘The Pincushion’, which reflects their personal stories as lockdown lifted.
