Projects and Programmes
Our passion is community art, social cohesion and wellbeing, with a focus on environmental messaging and recycling.
Here are some of the projects we are currently working on- to see our past projects keep scrolling down.
Current Projects
LGBTQ+
Date: July 2023- March 2024
FRIDAY PLATFORM
Date: Since September 2022
Every Friday from 10 am till 1 pm we give the Art Bank stage over to a local maker to artisan, so they promote and sell their work for free, with zero charges from us. Email info@artbank.org.uk to be considered for a slot.
OPEN SERIES
Date: Since January 2022
Our ‘Open’ callouts have so far led to 25 local artists being exhibited in our installation and exhibition space, ’The Safe’ (the former bank vault). We also give artists and makers the opportunity to have space for free within the venue to run workshops, enabling them to keep all the money they make as well as helping costs to be kept down for our community. Contact info@artbank.org.uk if you’d like to run a workshop at the Art Bank.
Community Days
Date: Wednesday 10-2.00
Every week we host this day at the Art Bank, incorporating a Talking Cafe (run by the Mendip Health Connectors) and free arts and crafts sessions. Everyone welcome!
Past Projects
Community Spirit
Date: June 2022 - September 2023
Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Platinum Jubilee Fund, the Jubilee weekend saw the launch of our year-long Community Spirit project! Help us create a giant living sculpture that represents Shepton's Community Spirit. There will also be an opportunity for different groups to get involved in the creation of smaller spirits.
Shepton on Show
Date: October 13th 2023
Roll up, roll up! Join us for the Fifth Annual Shepton on Show! Come and enjoy surreal window performances in this showcase of the town's fine independent spirit!
Sheptopoly - Community Spirit
Date: April 2023
Roll up, roll up, for the 3rd Annual Sheptopoly! Themed around Community Spirit this year, it’s a chance to play a game and learn all about the different nationalities that have made their home in and around Shepton. Fun and interactive, Sheptopoly is for everyone!
Pop-Up Community Art Shop
Date: Nov-Dec 2022
Located in the temporary Art Bank Studio space on Great Ostry, the shop featured the work of 20 Shepton makers and artists and promoted the notion of 'just off the high street' as a concept, encouraging the mission of supporting local and independent.
Wilde Things LGBTQ+ Festival
Date: December 2022
This 4-day mini-festival included spoken word activities, a drag performance & quiz from Mr Teds, a party night and the debut of local queer researcher Joe Jukes' short film, 'A Country While.'
Wild Things
Date: April - Autumn 2022
The Art Bank's new season is Wild Things, a spring-to-autumn spectacular celebrating the magic that's all around us in the natural world! It's also a warning that we must do all we can to protect it better. Featuring installations such as The Last Tree, the Museum of Trees and new work from local artists, the season will include wellbeing activities in and outside the Art Bank.
Shepton on Show 2022
Date: October 2022
Roll up, roll up! Join us for the Fourth Annual Shepton on Show! Come and enjoy surreal window performances in this showcase of the town's fine independent spirit!
Sheptopoly 2022
Date: June 4th 2022
For one day only we will turn the centre of Shepton Mallet into a boardgame- Sheptopoly! This year's theme is connected with WILD THINGS! Come and join in! More info soon.
Wizard of Woz Festival
Date: June - December 2021
The exhibition is finally here! Loads of different art and installations, all Wizard Of Oz inspired. Inside the bank we have an environmental art exhibition, the Memory Board City, featuring work produced in collaboration between artists and the community and using PCBs from phones and other electronic waste. There's also a programme of live music, theatre, comedy and other events throughout the year.
Shepton on Show 2021
Date: September 2021
Roll up, roll up! Join us for the Third Annual Shepton on Show! Come and enjoy surreal window performances in this showcase of the town's fine independent spirit!
LGBTQ+ Season
Date: June 2021
Working in collaboration with our LGBTQ+ community in Shepton Mallet. We are running an LGBTQ+ season with different events. Watch out for theatre, music and interactive elements such as workshops and projects.
Sheptopoly
Date: July 2021
For one day only we turned the centre of Shepton Mallet into a boardgame- Sheptopoly! This year's theme was the rich history of the town. 30 performers and assistants, including actors and musicians, helped us bring the past alive.
Spirit & Spirit Garden at Wells Cathedral
Date: July - Sept 2021
In workshops at the Art Bank in July and August 50 members of the community created blooms out of plastic bottles. These were made in to a spirit garden that accompanied the 'Spirit' sculpture by artist Dimitris Koutroumpas, showcased in Wells Cathedral as part of Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) 2021.
There's No Place Like Home
Date: May 2020 - May 2021
This publication compiles creative writing and artwork produced by 20 members of the community in online Art Bank workshops during lockdowns.
Shepton Mallet Bird Trail
Date: Oct-Dec 2020
There are seven artworks created by local artists using primarily recycled or natural materials. Each artwork pays tribute to a species of bird we can all find in and around Shepton Mallet.
A project in collaboration with the Town Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust.
Shepton On Show 2020
Date: 16th Oct 2020
An evening of theatrical fantasy on Shepton Mallet High Street, showcasing fine independent spirit, a collaboration between business owners, artists, performers, organisations and writers.