The Atkinson is leading an ambitious new Sefton-wide arts project that explores the environment, sounds and images of our remarkable coastline for the benefit of residents and visitors to the town.
The Footprint Project – Creatively Interpreting Sefton Coastal Path is a new creative arts project delivered by The Atkinson to help encourage more people to enjoy the rich cultural and natural history of Sefton’s coastal Path.
The Atkinson successfully tendered and were awarded the £20,000 project, which will run from June to December 2014, by the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme
Emma Anderson, The Atkinson’s Director said:
We are delighted to have been awarded this project/ given this opportunity?. It will help us show or demonstrate our ambitions for The Atkinson as a centre for celebration and understanding of Sefton’s inspiring coast. We are particularly keen involve artists to deliver creative activities that increase engagement by new audiences, particularly giving people the chance to work with professional artists. We have an exciting group of partners who we will be working with, including Merseyside Dance Initiative.
The money, awarded on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund, means that The Atkinson, Sefton’s new home for music, art, theatre, heritage and more, will deliver an exciting range of creative activities and events along the Sefton Coastal Path.
The activities organised by The Atkinson include artist-led walks and workshops, environmental art sessions for local schoolchildren and the creation of Chorus of the Coast, a sound art composition written and performed by local schools and community groups.
The Footprint Project coincides with three exhibitions at The Atkinson exploring different aspects of coastal life, from mid-August to November, and with Sefton Coastal Festival, from 6 – 14 September 2014.
The Sefton Coastal Path is over 20 miles long and runs from Crossens in the north of Sefton borough to Crosby in the south. It passes through, near and along sandy beaches, coastal marshes, pine woodlands, sand dunes, promenades, golf courses, heath land and tidal estuaries – all rich in wildlife and steeped in history. Along its route there are views across the Irish Sea to Wales and the Lake District.
There will be numerous opportunities for Sefton residents to get involved as participants and volunteers with this project. Full details will be published on The Atkinson’s websitetheatkinson.co.uk and in local press very soon.