onionbagblog

Off the Rails continues to grow, um, off the rails…

The lovely Wivenhoe arts based project that is using the very practical setting of the railway station as its base, has now managed to achieve some sponsorship from the good folk @firstsite. In these days of austerity, especially so within the arts, this is something of a success.

Disclaimer: I pay a paltry figure of £15 per month to @firstsite, which gives me access to the ace @15QueenStreet as a social member. Breakfast clubs, members’ brainstorming sessions and boozing - money well spent, I say…

Local Wivenhoe artist Martha Haversham has been responsible for many of the fine projects currently in place as part of Off the Rails.

Martha adds:

“Firstsite are now sponsoring Words Down the Line and the December edition has hit the ticket hall. January’s edition will be guest edited by Wivenhoe teens, so we’re bracing ourselves.

We have also recruited a young Greek poet and assistant writing curator for the station, who will be exploring a writing exchange with Wivenhoe Railway Station and the University of Athens. We think we could be on-track for a twining with a Greek station so watch this space.”

I *love* the idea of Wivenhoe being twinned and entwined in some mythical Greek poetry. I’m not sure who is in for the bigger culture shock - the Wivenhoe locals or our guest Greek poet.

With the recent wintery Wivenhoe weather making the wait for the mythical 9:07 into Liverpool Street something of a trying experience, the appearance of local art around the station has added some joy to these mid-winter mornings.

Choo choo.