Folkestone, UK – 16 August 2024 – Celebrate nature, culture, geology and community at the eagerly anticipated SALT + EARTH: Festival of Landscape, Seascape & The Environment, returning to Folkestone from 4 to 6 October 2024.
Co-curated by Folkestone Fringe and Creative Folkestone in partnership with Kent Downs National Landscape and the aspiring UNESCO Cross Channel Global Geopark. The festival comes to life with a unique blend of performances, exhibitions, and discussions, all infused with a creative exploration of sustainable farming, climate change, community agriculture, and the profound stories that connect us to the land.
Artworks, events and exhibitions include:
- 20 Sept, 6.30pm to 8pm: Sea-Flutes Ceramic Workshop - Make your own wearable artwork inspired by the Sea-Flutes project, and using the same, black-bodied clay. As you create, join a discussion about the project and its themes. Your creation will be fired and will be available for collection just prior to the Sea-Flutes procession at the end of the festival.
- 21 Sept, 6.30am and 6.30pm: The Chalk Path at Sunrise and Sunset- Meet the Autumn Equinox with an artist-led journey on two sides of the same land, at two edges of the same day. Join artists Alison Neighbour and Elodie Merland as they lead you on a ceremonial version of The Chalk Path for a small group to make the journey together at sunrise in England and sunset in France.
- 4 Oct, 6.30pm to 7.30pm: Festival Launch - Join us for the launch of SALT + EARTH 2024: Festival of Landscape, Seascape & The Environment.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: MARLING Exhibition – Experience a series of sculptural and planting experiments, inspired by the history of dene holes, subterranean mythologies and agriculture past, present and future in Kent.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: Sea Flutes Exhibition – An exhibition of works by artist, Jum Lockey, of ceramic sculptural objects know as ‘sea flutes’.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: Terra Firma Framed Exhibition - The Kent Downs National Landscape and aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark is partnering with youth empowerment charity Positive View Foundation on a series of photography-based workshops to explore the wide-ranging topic of Soil Health.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: The Body as Data – Re-mapping the Kent coats, this film follows a group of people who have experienced forced displacement as they navigate borders and uncover erased stories.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: The Chalk Path/Le Chemin de Craie Exhibition - Watch, touch, and listen. A filmic installation that offers an alternative perspective on the simultaneous walk experience on both coasts and re-unites the two chalk cliffs recently split by the Channel.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: The Chalk Path/Le Chemin de Craie Walk - Experience a bilingual self-led audio walk across Folkestone Warren and Cap Blanc Nez, exploring deep time and our relationship with the chalk cliffs.
- 4 to 6 Oct, 10am to 5pm: Trails Interwoven Exhibition – Artist, Rhiana Bonterre presents a short artist-documentary film, broadly depicting the work of various commissioned artists for the festival, alongside her own reflections.
- 5 Oct, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm: Chalk Carving Door Plaque - Carved chalk figures in the landscape have a long history in Britain, dating back to prehistory. Join us to make your own mini-version which you can use as door plaque.
- 5 Oct, 3pm to 4pm: MARLING Conversation – Join artist Sara Trillo and gardener and curator Fiona Parry in conversation as share their experiences and learning on their sculptural and planting experiments, inspired by the history of dene holes, subterranean mythologies and agriculture past, present and future in Kent.
- 6 Oct, 2pm to 3pm: Trails Interwoven Conversation – Join Rhiana Bonterre for a chance to watch her new work for SALT+EARTH: Trails Interwoven.
- 6 Oct, 2pm: Sea Flutes – Procession - Join Jim Lockey and his workshop participants in a ceremonial procession from his Sea Flutes exhibition to Sunny Sands to enter the water and activate the flutes. The Sea Flute performance will coincide with Annual DIP at 2.30pm.
- 6 Oct, 2pm to 4.30pm: Folklore and Medicinal Uses of Chalk Downland Plants – Join us for a gentle walk along the White Cliffs of Dover to hear about the amazing variety of plants and the wealth of animals that make the chalk habitats their home.
- 6 Oct, 2.30pm: SALT + EARTH 2024 DIP - Join us for a refreshing dip in the sea! Embracing Folkestone's iconic seascape, a fun, social swim following Jim Lockey’s Sea Flutes - Procession and Performance. All welcome.
- Plus, there will be a range of family friendly events to enjoy, such as microfossils workshops and drop-in arts and craft-based activities.
Under the theme "where it all begins…SOIL" SALT + EARTH 2024 explores the sometimes-surprising foundational role of soil in our lives. From examining agricultural practices to contemplating the impacts of climate change, participants will delve into crucial environmental issues shaping our future.
This three-day event promises an enriching array of activities including guided walks, insightful talks, culinary experiences, captivating exhibitions, and immersive installations. Set against the backdrop of the stunning coastal landscape, the festival invites attendees to engage deeply with themes of soil health, sustainable farming, and our evolving relationship with the environment.
Diane Dever, Co-founder and Co-Director of Folkestone Fringe, said: "It's joyous to see our complex and beautiful world through the eyes of artists. They have a unique way of connecting us to multi-layered ideas, reflecting back to us both the strength and fragility of our time on this planet. This festival gives us the opportunity to play, laugh, cry, swim, walk, eat, and create together—all very human activities that ultimately promote understanding and togetherness, both with each other and the world around us.”
Nick Johannsen FLI Director of the Kent Downs National Landscape, said: “SALT + EARTH always unearths amazing stories, beautiful artworks, fantastic discussions and performances – we're always excited by what artists and performers bring to the important issues of how we care for our precious landscapes and wider environment. Don’t worry though this isn’t worthy or difficult, its truly interesting and engaging stuff – if you have not come before – join us – its free, interesting, often fun and always thoughtful.”
Full programme is available now – visit CreativeFolkestone.org.uk for more information.
Launch of the Cross-Channel Geopark
SALT + EARTH plays a pivotal role in the bid for the Kent Downs National Landscape and Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale in France to become the world’s first Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark. This year marks a significant milestone in our UNESCO journey as we officially official launch our Cross-Channel Geopark.
Nick Johannsen, Director of Kent Downs National Landscape, expressed, "We see the arts as a unique lens to interpret, explore, and celebrate our stunning landscapes while addressing the environmental challenges of our time. Collaborating once again with Folkestone Fringe and Creative Folkestone for this year's SALT + EARTH Festival presents an exciting opportunity. Throughout history, artists have been pivotal in uncovering beauty and driving positive change. This festival enables us to expand our current initiatives and partnerships, fostering new and inspiring creations that engage communities and celebrate our natural heritage."
"Seeking UNESCO Global Geopark status reflects our commitment to preserving our Landscape, Seascape, and broader Environment," Johannsen emphasised. "The SALT + EARTH Festival plays a crucial role in integrating these efforts, merging artistic expression with environmental stewardship and highlighting our dedication to conservation and international collaboration.
SALT+EARTH Festival 2024 is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes. Thanks to National Lottery players for making this project possible.