We believe that art has a powerful role to play in making change and building pride in our communities. This is why we have partnered with Castle Point Council and Estuary Festival in South Essex on a pioneering project which uses creativity to involve residents in how they want to shape where they live. Local artists are sparking vibrant, creative conversations about life in the borough through This is Us, an 18-month arts engagement programme. This is an open invitation for people to dive in, share their stories, and reimagine their future here. Whether it’s reflecting on what it’s like to live here or dreaming big for tomorrow, this is a chance for residents to connect, express, and be heard.
- Our mission is twofold: to celebrate and strengthen the borough’s existing artist networks while welcoming new voices into the mix. The insights and outcomes from This is Us will play a pivotal role in shaping the Castle Point Local Plan (CPP), ensuring that the future of the borough is built on the experiences and aspirations of its people.
- Local artists are curating dynamic activities, workshops, and creative experiences that will bring together voices of all ages and backgrounds from across the area.
- With each initiative thoughtfully tailored to different neighbourhoods – Canvey Island, Benfleet, Thundersley, and Daws Heath – the programme will empower residents to come together and create something meaningful. From art exhibitions to photography projects, digital storytelling, and music events, the possibilities are endless. This is Castle Point and this is your chance to shape it.
GET INVOLVED
If you are an artist or a creative working in Castle Point and would like to express your interest, please join our database by completing this short form here.
CURRENT PROJECTS
An Anthology of Castle Point
Artists from across Castle Point have partnered with local community groups and schools to lead engaging workshops and activities inspired by the project’s themes. Participants are exploring a variety of creative processes, including printmaking, journaling, drawing, painting, collage, soundscapes, psychogeography, mural design, and sculpture. These activities offer a chance to dive into imaginative and meaningful artistic practices and tell the story of where we live.
Collaborating artists and groups:
- Kelly Buckley with Yellow Door Youth Group
- Sally Chinea with Open Arts: Mental Health and Dementia Groups
- Laura Whiting with Jotmans Hall Primary School
- Simon Keenleyside with Cornelius Vermuyden School
- Charlie Stafford with Little Lions Family Hub
Together, these artists and their community partners are bringing creativity to life in Castle Point.
Live Briefs with USP College
At USP College, we have been collaborating with our tutors to design engaging live briefs for students, spanning from graphic design to creative enterprise. These briefs challenge students to apply their creative talents and envision the future of their community. As part of this initiative, students will have the opportunity to curate and host their own exhibitions, showcasing their work and ideas.
Picture This – A Year in My Life
Professional photographers Tessa Halman and Jack Delmonte are leading Picture This — a year-long project featuring a diverse group of Castle Point-based photographers. Ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals, these photographers are capturing the essence of their community, each offering a unique perspective on life in the borough. Throughout the year, participants will receive mentorship, creative guidance, and professional development to hone their skills. The project will culminate in a public exhibition in 2025, showcasing their work. Follow the journey on Instagram: #PictureThisCastlePoint
Video Stories
Local filmmaker George Morgan is set to capture the story of contemporary Castle Point and its residents through the lens of his camera. From families to local businesses, people from across the borough will share their stories, each offering a personal glimpse into life in the community. This project, This is Us, uses documentary film to showcase the diverse experiences of the areas’ residents while highlighting the importance of art as a creative tool in shaping the borough’s future local plan.
This is Us is a groundbreaking approach to local planning and place making, placing creativity and community voices at its core. We are excited to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking collaboration with Castle Point Borough Council.
This work is part of Metal’s strategic cultural development work in South Essex. We are currently working in Castle Point, Brentwood and Southend on capacity building projects for the sector. For more information about This Is Us or our creative work with local authorities, contact chalkwell@metlculture.com
Follow the This Is Us programme on Instagram using the hashtag: #ThisisUsCastlePoint
