Culture and creativity centred on colourful past
HERITAGE Open Days will be unwrapping the colourful history of creativity as its theme for 2023; the ten days of free activities due to start in mid-September around Gosport and other towns across the UK.
And it provides a great opportunity for Gosport’s creatives to think of workshops, performances, exhibitions and displays to show off their art and celebrate how Gosport is immortalised in songs, sea shanties, paintings, films or books.
Gosport Heritage Open Days (GHODs) will feature local creatives such as the renowned artist Martin Snape, and the Scrap Happy Quilters, but are there artists or designers behind buildings, parks, churches or gardens that should also be remembered.
GHODs is looking for potential organisers wanting to share their knowledge of both old buildings, inaccessible features and fascinating history and local arts.
Do you have a connection to Nat Gonella or Sea Shanties? All are invited to work with GHODs in developing events celebrating Gosport’s story for our thousands of visitors.
Terry Rhodes, Chair of Gosport Heritage Open Days said: “We believe our cultural contribution to Gosport is important. We normally have over 16,000 visitors and last year, despite GHODs coinciding with the official mourning period of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, we still had over 10,200 visitors.
“This year we’d love to help passionate people tell local stories about Gosport in prior times and so inspire the next generation. A walking or cycling tour to tap into local creatives and artists could be developed, or maybe tell a tale from Gosport’s rich history.”
“Whatever the idea, whether it’s related to creativity or not, we want to hear from anyone interested.”
To begin the conversation people should visit: http://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/get-involved/open-doors/ or email info@gosportheritage.co.uk.
Visitors will still enjoy forts, churches, Naval buildings, graveyards and ancient woodlands during Heritage Open Days, but the team wants to help people create new talks, guided walks, cycle rides, entertainment, exhibitions and digital experiences.
Entry to all events will be free so everyone can help to educate a new generation about Gosport’s creativity, while creating digital resources for the future.
PICTURED: Scenes from earlier Gosport Heritage Open Days events and venue, which are enjoyed every September by visitors across Hampshire and beyond.