River/ Flow/ Connect
A project which focuses on the themes of connectivity along the River Great Ouse and the values of local communities in Bedford.
Artists & Associates
River/Flow/Connect is a Bedford Creative Arts project designed to deepen community engagement with the River Great Ouse in Kempston, Queen’s Park, Kingsbrook & Cauldwell, and Great Denham. Through artistic installations and creative activities, the project invites residents to connect with the river on their doorstep, fostering a sense of place and shared experience.
This long-term project aims to install a series of community co-commissioned, functional sculptures along the river that celebrate the community’s relationship with the River Great Ouse and encourage recreation along the riverbank.
Workshops
River/ Flow/ Connect connects with the local community through a number of creative workshops, both at the site of the river and in public spaces across the town. Some of these sessions include working with clay, decorating lanterns and exploring what the river means to local residents.
These workshops are designed to engage residents from areas along the river, giving them a chance to express their connection to the water and contribute to a shared artistic celebration of the local environment.
Events
Bedford Creative Arts have hosted some larger River/ Flow/ Connect events that connect local residents to the river in new and exciting ways. Past examples include our Community Picnic and involvement in the Bedford River Festival in 2024, as well as our more recent Love Kempston Light Walk.
These events are shaped by public feedback, with residents’ ideas and desires playing a key role in shaping the programme.
Public Artworks
The much anticipated swan sculpture was installed in Kempston Library after a combination of workshops and public consultations. The artwork was created by sculptor Paul Pibworth and artist Kaye Mahoney in collaboration with local children from schools in the area, representing the words they associate with the River Great Ouse.
As the project develops, we are interested in finding out what other public artworks could be created to bring the community closer to their river.
Background
Throughout the last few years Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) has delivered activity in Bedford that has engaged residents in Queen’s Park, Bedford Town Centre and local schools. Through this work, the river has emerged as a key theme that communities are eager to explore.
During the 2022 River Festival, BCA gathered insights from residents and visitors, revealing a deep appreciation for the river. Through this consultation, 76 reports were collected containing poems, songs, and ideas around the river that they wished to explore further. Additionally, Queen’s Park Academy have highlighted opportunities for the river topic to support their curriculum teaching.
During lockdown, many residents developed a deeper connection with the natural spaces around them. However, consultations with residents and community leaders have highlighted that the stretch of the River Great Ouse between the well-maintained Embankment and the wilder areas towards Bromham and Great Denham is less frequently used and in need of care.
Through creative and artistic project delivery we hope to open up a trail of artworks between these points that make the area feel loved, ‘levelled up’, safe and respected so that residents can enjoy and feel proud of their part of the River Great Ouse.
If you would like to be involved with our River/Flow/Connect project, let us know by emailing us at: info@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk.
Bedford River Festival 2024
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund, Ashley Family Foundation and our ongoing supporters Arts Council England and The Harpur Trust. The project is supported by BMK Waterways, John Bunyan Community Boat and Cllrs Mohammed Nawaz and Caroline White.
Photo credit: Urban Judge 2023 & Andy Willsher 2024
