SIRENS are calling art lovers to The Hive in Worcester.
The Sirens of Sustainability art exhibition explores the importance of protecting rivers and oceans through myths and folktales alongside stories of modern-day activism.
The artwork, on display until May 26, has been produced by schools, colleges and community groups following workshops held by illustration experts from Worcester University.
Senior lecturer and course leader for iIllustration, Tobias Hickey, who is leading the project, said: “River literacy is not spoken about much in this country. The UN (United Nations) are really pushing ocean literacy, but I wanted this to be a bit closer to home so that people could relate to it. I wanted communities that have got lived experience of the rivers to engage with a project which is more linked to their location.”
The Sirens of Sustainability sessions took inspiration from tales of merfolk and the folk tales surrounding protectors of the local rivers, such as Sabrina on the River Severn and Gwy on the River Wye. They also looked at the local elements of river protection and explored the value of rivers and what they do, and what local activists are doing to protect them.
Participants designed their own character and created a poster using collage, drawing and print making.
Contributors to the exhibition include Worcester Craftivists, Heart of Worcestershire College, Worcester Sixth Form College, Hereford Sixth Form College, BMET and Walsall College.
In addition to the co-produced artworks, there will be exhibitions on local and international environmental activists and their activities to protect our rivers, oceans and the environment.
