NUNEATON and Bedworth are set to become a hub of artistic activity this summer, as renowned Australian artist Lachlan Brown arrives in town.
Lachlan, a member of the arts group Cave Urban, will collaborate with local artists, community groups, and residents to construct a giant musical instrument made from locally-sourced bamboo.
This ambitious project is part of ‘Creative Explorers,’ an innovative scheme led by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) and Warwickshire County Council (WCC).
The project involves a partnership with arts organisations Imagineer and Artichoke, as well as international and local artists, aiming to celebrate community creativity across the borough.
One of the highlights of the summer’s free events will be ‘Imagine Bamboo Nuneaton and Bedworth.’
Lachlan brings his expertise from similar projects in Australia to Nuneaton and Bedworth, where he will help guide the creation of this unique musical instrument.
The installation, called ‘Mengengang’—a term from Bahasa Indonesian meaning ‘in memory of’—utilises bamboo resonators that produce music by conveying vibrations into the ground.
This element of the artwork is designed to evoke memories and connect participants with nature and their local environment.
Coun Tim Jenkins, portfolio holder for leisure, communities, and health at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “Creative Explorers is a unique opportunity for local people to get involved in something new and exciting in their community.
“Lachlan is very welcome here, and we really look forward to seeing what this amazing programme creates.”
Lachlan added: “It is great to be here, the artwork itself is so exciting, called ‘Mengengang’, the name is from Bahasa Indonesian and means ‘in memory of’.
“The artwork was originally devised by Cave Urban as a memorial artwork.
“Bamboo resonators convey vibrations into the ground that the piece is rooted in, they actually create music.
“We know music evokes memories and other worldliness, and we are keen to explore how this artwork impacts places and audiences in different parts of the world.
“We want to use this to link people, audiences, and participants, back to nature and the land they live in.”
