Re-imagining East Coast Narratives

We are looking for skilled writers and digital artists for a story gathering project which collaborates with the local communities in Harwich and in Orford Ness, in a heritage, creative and walks-based exploration of their shared and differed coastal heritage.

Supported by Historic England, this project aligns with a national festival called Beach of Dreams, which will take place at the Out There International Festival of Outdoor Arts and Circus in May 2025.

Artists will lead workshops to explore the hopes, fears, stories, and dreams of the local coastal community. These stories will be shared on digital platforms and in a stunning visual display of thousands of locally designed silk flags, made and carried by the public to inspire and bring about positive change in reflection of the past.

Applicants are asked to commit to a programme of 15 days, paid £200 a day. Collaborative bids to cover the 15 days between people may be considered if they are cohesive.

Application deadline: Monday 14th October

For full details including writer’s and artist’s briefs and link to application form visit https://essexbookfestival.org.uk/beach-of-dreams/

What is Beach of Dreams?

Beach of Dreams aims to engage hundreds of thousands across the UK in a major interdisciplinary programme including commissioned artworks responding to coastal, environmental and climate themes; walks; journeys; participatory creative events; digital activity; talks and other events along the UK coastline in the 4 nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Beach of Dreams invites participants and audiences to work together to create a hopeful perspective on the future of our coast and planet. By walking the coastline and sharing stories about its past, present and future, we can learn about coastal and climate challenges, and imagine how we can work towards a positive future.

Find out more at https://beachofdreams.org