Thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we have been working in partnership with schools and community organisations across Norfolk and Suffolk since 2008, thinking together about how we can interpret and present the contemporary heritage of the countryside of East Anglia. The project, which is entering its final year, aims to help people discover new perspectives on our own culture, and increase awareness of the importance of their local heritage and how it relates to a global context.

Visit the Culture of the Countryside website to find out more about the project »

Please download the attached prospectus for further information about the project. (PDF: 2.8Mb) »

To find out more and to apply to be part of the project please see the Get Involved section below.

For all enquiries contact Yasmin Keyani, Project Assistant, on 01603 593725 or email Y.Keyani@uea.ac.uk.

The project so far

We have worked so far with more than 50 schools and communities in Norfolk and Suffolk, from Hunstanton in the north to Ipswich in the south, using the Sainsbury Centre's world art handling collections as a starting point for discussion, learning and creativity. The objects, made in rural localities in other parts of the world, form the basis for reflection, study and art-based activities about customs and cultures.

Community involvement is a substantial element of the project. In September 2009 a series of 8 events called Mundesley Encounters involved 200 people in a series of creative interactions between local people and artists. These events used world art to stimulate new interpretations and perceptions of local heritage, not least in celebrating the local Maritime Museum through the way it was used for one of our events. Later in the year we developed a series of events around an exhibition at The Cut, in Halesworth, showcasing the artwork of schools and community groups in the area in response to the project.

Forthcoming events

Culture of the Countryside is continuing to develop new partnerships into 2010. A substantial project is developing in collaboration with the Social Enterprise programme at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Suffolk, working with the long-term unemployed. Potential collaborations are also planned with Norfolk Museums Service museums at Thetford and Gressenhall, Easton College and University of East Anglia's Incrops enterprise project. We have a developing relationship with the County Council's EU funded SURF (Sustainable Urban Rural Fringes) project, developing a vision and plan for the Gaywood / Gayton / Roydon area around King's Lynn.

Later in the year we have planned a community project in Cromer, and are developing further school and community projects around North Walsham. We are building projects with a number of farmers and food producers in the area around Wingfield in Suffolk, which is to be the focus for an exhibition in Summer 2010.

How do I get involved

We welcome expressions of interest from all schools and community groups. Thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, we are able to offer the project to schools, community groups and other partners at a small proportion of the real cost.

To apply to be part of the project, complete the expression of interest form below and return it to the address detailed.

Download the expression of interest form. (PDF: 36K) »

We will discuss your individual programme requirements and contribution to costs with you once we receive your form.

For all enquiries contact Yasmin Keyani, Project Assistant, on 01603 593725 or email Y.Keyani@uea.ac.uk.

"We are bringing world culture and a global dimension to the rural areas of Norfolk and Suffolk"