Canary Islands

A small piece of land known locally as the "Canary Islands" will soon be
transformed into a community amenity and urban wildlife oasis.

As well as the removal of fly-tipped material, the sensitive management of
existing trees and shrubs, the planting of native or wildlife friendly
vegetation and the creation of wild flower glades, a network of wheelchair
accessible paths will be made through he site.

The site is also the focus of a programme of arts activities and workshops
to raise awareness of the site and encourage residents' participation. The
sessions offer exciting, accessible ways for residents of all ages to work
with artists and get involved in designing and making decorative features
for the site (ranging from decorative bricks and paving to railings and
entrance-ways) and to make permanent and temporary artworks using a wide
variety of techniques and materials will be used - printing, lino-cutting,
willow, casting, carving, etc.

UPDATE August 2000

A team of four artists is currently working on site with the Hot Hut. Paths have now been laid and raised beds are now in place and being worked on. Middle of October looks like being the official opening of the completed site.

The project will culminate in a "finale" event in the Autumn 2000 (perhaps
with a time capsule, music, poetry, procession, etc.) to celebrate the site
as a lasting statement of local distinctiveness and creativity.

We have already held some local action days which has generated a high
level of interest and activity - the next public event is a free 'taster
day' of arts workshops involviong fabric, steel and willow on Saturday 15
April 2000 - full details from MOSAIC.

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