Somerset Arts Weeks Festival at Shoemakers

Exploring cultural connections with the landscape, the natural world and with ourselves

Two new exhibitions open on Saturday 19 September with a roar-some workshop, sound installations and live performances.

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 through the festival. We invite you to come along to the launch on 19 September.

Shoemakers Museum’s collections have inspired a SAW Micro Commission ‘Hybrid Selves’ by Kirsten Madeira-Revell and Polly Hall exploring identity through the creation of mythological hybrid creatures – part sculpture, part story, wholly alive.

The spaces within the museum become art with a site-specific installation ‘Step by Step’ by Melanie Thompson and Helen Ottaway bringing live performances that run on Saturdays at 12 and 2pm throughout the festival until 3 Oct.

Make your own art – you are invited to discover your animal mythic self with writing and making – paws, claws and masks with a free drop in workshop on 19 September. Hybrid Selves Workshop is a  family friendly workshop, the first in the SAW series, takes place at 10am to 3pm.

This workshop is the first in SAW’s family programme of creative activities for children and families. Award-winning children’s author and patron Jasbinder Bilan will be visiting the Museum for the launch, celebrating the start of Somerset Art Weeks Festival 2026 and visitors of all ages are invited to discover the joy of making, storytelling and exploring art together.

Inspired by this year’s Festival theme, Cultural Connections, the Family Friendly Programme encourages families to experience Somerset’s rich creative and cultural heritage through hands-on workshops, exhibitions and artist-led activities taking place across the county throughout the Festival.

The launch of the SAW exhibitions, installation and family friendly programme co-incides with a weekend food festival in the museum’s grounds offering delicious international and artisan food which runs on into the evening. So come along and make a weekend of it!

Timetable:

Shoemakers Museum open 10 – 4pm

Hybrid Selves Workshop 10-3pm

We welcome Jasbinder Bilan for the launch of SAW Family Programme 11.30am

Step by Step live performances 12noon and 2pm

Museum closes 4pm

Street Food Festival 12noonuntil 7pm