We’re incredibly proud to celebrate a powerful and evocative new artwork, now showing at Sidmouth’s Wallspace! This collaborative piece, supported by the East Devon National Landscape Communities Project Fund, tells the story of the River Sid through the eyes of its young people and arrives just in time for the Sid Valley Nature Festival, Explore, Discover, Protect, at The Byes this Saturday, June 7th.

This stunning multimedia artwork blends vibrant acrylic paintings with heartfelt haikus created by nine talented young individuals from Sidmouth. Their poetry beautifully captures the joyful essence of the river, while cleverly incorporated fish highlight the species under threat, delivering a poignant message of both love for the river and an urgent call for conservation.

Take a moment to read some of their powerful words:

Kingfisher flies by Otters like playing around Chasing Each Other

Fresh water flowing Salmon, trout and eels swim by Gliding peacefully

Mother of nature Gushing rushing waves crashing Against the water

Rushing and gushing Calming and stress relieving Stop pollution now

This inspiring project was led by Emily Hobson-Martin from the River Sid Catchment Group. Emily, a youth worker, author, and MSc student in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health, championed the young voices throughout the process. Lead artist Caitlin Hennessy, a Sidmouth-based artist with a Masters in Contemporary Art Practice, guided creative workshops with input from the River Sid Catchment Group and support from Young Devon. The young people explored what they valued most about the river and the threats its species face. Local street artist Steve McCracken then helped the group create the brown trout fish that were pasted onto the beautiful river backdrop, with Emily digitally collaging the artworks together.

Emily Hobson-Martin shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It is so important for young people to see their artwork up on the wallspace. Not only does it give them pride in themselves and a huge sense of achievement, but it connects them to their town, river, and all of the life it supports. The very last sentence is a call to action, loud and proud and for all to see, reinforcing their right to a voice in their community.”

The River Sid Catchment Group are true champions of our wonderful River Sid, diligently working to monitor and improve water quality, habitat, and climate change resilience. In 2024, they identified a vital need to engage the local community with the river, leading to the birth of the River Sid Outreach project – made possible by our East Devon National Landscape Communities Project Fund.

Through their powerful artwork, these young people send a message of love and support to the river, urging those in power to protect it as a natural entity with the inherent right to thrive and continue giving life to the many species who call it home.

Sidmouth School of Art played a crucial role in facilitating the exhibition at Sidmouth Wallspace, helping to promote and share this significant nature-based artwork with a wider audience. As Louise Cole, Trustee of Sidmouth School of Art, noted, “Our aim through Sidmouth Wallspace is to provide a platform that inspires creativity… The large scale of the billboard gives instant impact, creates a talking point, gives voice to different groups and values the artists who contribute.”

We at East Devon National Landscape are delighted to have supported this fantastic initiative, showcasing the incredible talent and passion of Sidmouth’s young people and their vital message for the River Sid. We encourage everyone to visit Wallspace and witness this powerful piece of art for themselves!

Find out more about the project visit Sidmouth School of Art’s website River Sid | Sidmouth School Of Art

Follow Sidmouth School of Art on Facebook and Instagram @sidmouthschool_art for updates.

Donations to support Sidmouth School of Arts work can be made via SSA’s website Donate | Sidmouth School Of Art (sidmouthart.org).

Sidmouth School of Art is about creativity and wellbeing through art and culture. Co-founder David Shrigley, OBE: “Art is about discovering what something means to you and expressing what you think and feel.”

Encouraging and engaging with art and our creative selves is a path to wellbeing and happiness.

Contact details: info@sidmouthart.org             

Mobile: 07881 585395