The exhibition, part of the Arts Centre’s 80th anniversary celebrations, runs for four weeks and features pieces created and curated by children from six local schools: Puriton Primary School, Westover Green Community School, Woolavington Village Primary School, Northgate Primary School, Willowdown Primary School, and Chilton Trinity School. The artwork was produced through collaborative school projects, Arts Week events, and partnerships with parents and carers, showcasing the imagination and talent of local young people.
This project reflects the Futura Learning Partnership’s commitment to enriching pupil experiences. Following the success of last year’s Bridgwater Hub Poetry Slam, Katie Williams, Headteacher of Puriton Primary School, saw an opportunity to strengthen links between local schools and the community through an arts project inspired by the Bridgwater Carnival. With support from a grant from Arts Council England, the project was brought to life.
“"We’re incredibly proud to have brought this project together. It has been wonderful to see children from across our local schools engaging with such an important part of Bridgwater’s heritage while expressing themselves creatively. This exhibition is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when schools, community organisations and cultural partners work together. We hope it will continue to strengthen the links between our schools and the wider community for years to come."
The exhibition is open to the public at Bridgwater Arts Centre, 11-13 Castle St, TA6 3DD, from 28 October to 21 November 2026. The gallery is open 10am – 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Residents are encouraged to visit throughout the carnival season. This event forms part of wider community celebrations around Bridgwater Carnival, which begins on the evening of Friday 6 November with a lantern parade and firework display. A Carnival Mask Trail, featuring 25 decorated masks by local children, is also on display in the town centre.
The exhibition highlights the power of collaboration between education, arts, and community organisations, ensuring local children play a central role in celebrating one of Bridgwater’s most significant traditions. More information is available at www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk.
