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A Handful of Time

A Handful of Time

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A Handful of Time

October 2023 – June 2024, October 2024 – April 2025

2023 

During autumn 2023, artists Dot Howard and Sorrel Muggridge delivered a three-week series of workshops across Norfolk libraries called A Handful of Time. 

In the workshops, participants were invited to create small artworks or ‘artefacts’ with locally sourced clay; each artefact capturing a moment in time and bearing the unique lines and contours of their maker’s hands. As the workshops continued, they created a growing compendium of small works of art, made to be handled with care. The libraries acted as a base to present the work but also to engage the network of communities that utilise their services. 

‘Holding one is like finding a missing part of yourself…it feels like they belong to you.’Participant 

2024 

In May 2024, with support from Norfolk Community Foundation through the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Small Grants Scheme, we were able to extend the workshops to a trio of libraries in West Norfolk. Dot and Sorrel also presented their work to audiences during the Festival’s Welcome Weekend. 

Across the programme of workshops more than 1000 people have participated in the project. The library workshops have reached people from eleven months to 80 years+ old. The library settings have enabled different levels of participation, from independent participation, groups and supported one-to-one sessions. 

‘I loved the experience. Thank you!’Participant 

The residency has allowed the artists the vital time needed to experiment and develop the project without impending deadlines. Through the process, they were able to develop the delivery; from the way they source and prepare their clay, to the way they approach and engage participants in different community spaces. 

2025 

In 2025, we are continuing our support of the development of A Handful of Time. Over March and April 2025, the artists will be in residence in Fakenham and Swaffham libraries to deliver the project to audiences with a focus on youth groups who utilise the libraries services. We’re excited to see the outcomes of this phase of the project!  

Visit A Handful of Time Website

Artist

Dot Howard and Sorrel Muggridge

Locations

Norfolk (Earlham, Dereham, Cromer, Hunstanton, Downham Market, Dersingham, Fakenham and Swaffham Libraries)

Participants

1000+ people of all ages

Partners

Norfolk Library Service


Supported by Norfolk Community Foundation through the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Small Grants Scheme

Images: Luke Witcomb

Arts make life better

Norfolk & Norwich Festival brings tens of thousands of people together in celebration – it has been doing this for over 250 years. Through our May Festival and our year-round arts education work, focusing on children and young people, we lead and support celebration, creativity and curiosity in communities across Norfolk and the region.

This year we begin an exciting new initiative, Festival Connect & Create that will bring creative opportunities to those schools and communities with least provision. Creativity transforms people’s lives. It builds cohesive communities, develops vital skills and supports health and wellbeing. We want more people to have access to creative opportunities.

Please consider donating to support and develop this work. With your help we can increase access to the life changing power of the arts.

Registered Charity No. 116442

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