Cultural Connections

Explore cultural connections with local artists Melanie Thompson, Helen Ottaway alongside Kirsten Madeira-Revell and Polly Hall

The Somerset Art Weeks Festival returns from 19 September – 3 October 2026 with the theme ‘Cultural Connections’ — bringing together artists, communities and audiences to explore the cultural ties that shape Somerset, from Palaeolithic to Present, and across Human and Non-Human species.

We are delighted to host local artists Melanie Thompson, Helen Ottaway (Steps Taken) alongside  artists Kirsten Madeira-Revell and Polly Hall (Hybrid Selves). With two micro-commissions  –  an installation with performance and an exhibition – to experience and enjoy.

Shoemakers Museum is Mendip venue 068 on the SAW map.

 Step by Step – Installation and Performance

(recorded and live sound, movement, found objects, drawing)

An experience by Helen Ottaway and Melanie Thompson who have created an installation and performance for horizontal spaces  drawing lines between Somerset’s prehistoric past and the present. Immersive, interactive and continually changing!

Step by Step is a response to two of the museum corridor spaces in the newly built Shoemakers Museum.

With live performances on Saturdays: 19 & 26 September and 3 October at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Hybrid Selves – Exhibition

We are all more than we appear. Hybrid Selves is a new Somerset Art Works Micro-commission by artist Kirsten Madeira-Revell and writer Polly Hall exploring identity through the creation of mythological hybrid creatures – part sculpture, part story, wholly alive.

Working across disciplines, each artist leads on their own practice while reaching into the other’s territory, with the collaboration itself embodying the hybrid spirit of the work.

Hybrid Selves – Workshop 19 Sept

Make your own mythology! Alongside the sculptures and myths exhibited you can get involved and try your hand at making – a drop-in family-friendly public workshop on September 19 where you are invited to come and make your own hybrid creatures. Families can craft their own masks, tails, paws and claws.
Adults are invited to explore personal mythology through collage and found poetry.
Something for everyone!

No need to book – just drop in 10am to 3pm.