Kandu-Arts

Meet Andy Owen, a big part of Chippenham’s punk rock scene, promoting a very unique event in this knack of the woods - ‘NAM FEST ! On the 31st of August at the Consti Club. Bringing together punk bands from far and wide, it promises to be an awesome evening for punk rockers and music lovers alike. Please watch this episode to get more information on the event, and to hear some of Andy’s and Ed’s thoughts on the therapeutic nature of doing art and music! For tickets please visit : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nam-fest-a-punk-rock-extravaganza-tickets-884863930837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or the Consti Club for the early bird price of £15. Good luck with the event Andy!

Ed visits the wonderful and fruitful allotment that belongs to “The Shed” in Chippenham. Formerly “The Men’s Shed”, they now invite female members as well and are a lovely bunch that offers gardening and wood-working among their other activities, all in good company. Have a look at this podcast and Trevor’s expert guidance on how you could become a member and what to expect (except organic fruit and veg!). Thanks to Trevor for showing us around.

Highlights from some of the Kandu Arts acts at the Minety Festival so far. A wide range of musical genres and talents, thanks to everyone that performed and took part. A big shout out to the directors and all the crew and the volunteers that make this wonderful community festival happen. A special shout out to Oz Cahill and all his wonderful crew from Weston College who run the Kandu Arts stage. Their tireless efforts make for a wonderful experience for all.

Have a look at a sneak peak of our Kandu Kicks 2024. tournament video, in tribute to the wonderful Dave Phillips, a friend to all, gone but not forgotten. Ed interviews 4 team captains on the day (out of 11 teams that took part this year!) - detective Chris McLoughlin, firefighter Larson Taylor, Kevin Long from Doorway and Dave Phillips’ lovely brother Richard. Stay tuned for the official Kandu Kicks 2024 video with more featured footage soon.

Meet Lionel Chandler - a local artist exhibiting his beautiful pieces at our S.H.O.P. in Emery Gate. It’s still not too late to come down and have a look at his work in person, and buy something! Ed and Lionel talk about the value of doing art and how it’s something meant for everyone to do, not just professionals who make their living from it. Have a look and get inspired! :)

Introducing a very special guest: the very lovely and talented Richard Farr! A musician and counsellor, Richard will be joining Kandu Arts at several summer celebrations with his band Hello Earth and as an MC. You will have the pleasure of seeing them perform live at: 1) the warm up gig for Minety Festival on the 4th July (election day), at the Methodist Church in Chippenham! (Also on the line-up: the incredible NoFlipe all the way from Paris, France! Old Hounsell, Rich Hazel and more acts to follow); 2) At the Minety Festival literally the day after! Save the date for the PRIDAY Friday celebrating all things pride in the Kandu tent on the 5th July! Richard will be MCing and headlining with his band Hello Earth. And last but not least: 3) The annual Kandu Arts Unlock Reset Festival on the bank holiday in August (17th&18th) at the lovely Pitch and Putt in Monkton Park.

In this podcast, Ed and Richard reminisce about amongst other things: the legendary early days of Golddiggers in Chippenham including the time when Ed supported Nico and also when Richard supported Nico, Richard’s previous musical projects, the story of how his newest band came about, him singing in front of Damon Albarn in the village in which he grew up in a local pub and how he felt about it, and more. Thanks to Richard for being on our podcast and we look forward to seeing him perform live very soon!

Ed reflects on the recent Kandu Arts Reel Cinema film festival, with some clips from the student section of the festival and some Q&A sessions (including the “Everything” Q&A led by the lovely manager of Reel Cinema Will McGuire). Thanks to everyone involved and everyone that came and showed their support! We’re already looking forward to next year! :)

Our lovely Kandu Arts CIC co-director and Kandu Arts Reel Cinema film festival co-producer Donna Lee and our podcast host Ed, present the latest edition of our Kandu Arts Reel Cinema film festival and invites you to join us for it on the 7th June at the Reel Cinema in Chippenham. Be advised to purchase your ticket for the main screening of Kandu Arts co-produced feature film “Everything” starring Ray Winstone at: https://reelcinemas.co.uk/chippenham/event/3481/everything . For more information and to attend our event online (after which we hope you attend in person) click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/421509257327303?ref=newsfeed :)

Our Wessex Water-funded “In the Flow” series of textile workshops, has reached it’s end. Have a look at this podcast for an insight behind-the-scenes and information on where you can have a look at the finished art-piece community-quilt on display! Also stay tuned for a new series of textile workshops with Jess Way, focused on mending and enriching your clothes, please watch this episode for more information. And of course, Ed didn’t miss the opportunity for using this patchwork as a metaphor for community itself, but please watch to get the full scope of his words. Thanks to everyone that took part in this truly beautiful community art project and to our wonderful workshop mentor, Jess Way.

Meet Si Griffiths (if you haven’t already), a prominent Chippenham-based artist who makes intriguing socially-commentating graffiti-inspired visual art. Come and visit his exhibition now up in our S.H.O.P. and buy some of his art at a bargain price! He talks about the news in his professional career and they comment on some of the good things that exist in Chippenham and some areas that need improving. To find out which, have a look at this podcast. Please comment your opinions below :)