Cultural Connections

Explore cultural connections with local artists Melanie Thompson, Helen Ottoway and Kirsten Madeira-Revell, alongside Polly Hall, Ali Robinson and Jessica Tizzard

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.

Discover inspiring journeys, new perspectives and creative responses that celebrate the unique cultural richness of our county and the stories that connect us.

This Somerset Art Weeks, we are delighted to host local artists Melanie Thompson, Helen Ottoway and Kirsten Madeira-Revell, alongside Polly Hall, Ali Robinson and Jessica Tizzard.  With two exhibition and installations in the museum to experience and enjoy.

 Step by Step

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

An experience by Helen Ottaway and Melanie Thompson with Ali Robinson (cello) and Jessica Tizzard (movement artist) 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^th & 26^th September and 3^rd  October at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Hybrid Selves

We are all more than we appear. Hybrid Selves is a new 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 is part of Somerset Art Weeks 2026.

Hybrid Selves – Workshop 19 Sept

Alongside the sculptures and myths exhibited there is public workshop on September 19 where participants are invited to come and make their own hybrid creatures. Families can craft their own masks, tails, paws and claws — and, adults are invited to explore personal mythology through collage and found poetry. No need to book – just drop in 10am to 3pm.