Oudolf Field, Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Our Somerset Charity Partners
Announcing 2022 – 2023 Partnerships
Hauser & Wirth Somerset is firmly embedded in the local community and rural landscape of Somerset. Since its launch in 2014, the arts center has supported and worked in partnership with many institutions, businesses and organizations in the South West, raising over £150,000 for local charities.
‘Each year we select three new local charities to support through entrance donations and seasonal events, providing a platform to promote ongoing initiatives to a broad audience. All the organizations we support deliver vital social and cultural initiatives to the surrounding community.’—Debbie Hillyerd, Senior Director Learning, Hauser & Wirth
From June 2021 – June 2022 our charity partners included: Somerset Wildlife Trust, Bruton Museum and STAR (Somerset Trust for Arts and Education). Thank you to all our generous visitors who helped raise over £25,000. From protecting Somerset’s wildlife and preserving Bruton’s heritage, to giving local children in need greater access to arts and recreation, all three charities have put this year’s donations to fantastic use.
‘The funds raised have helped us continue our vital work restoring and connecting Somerset’s wildlife and wild places. Our recent highlights include the partnership launch of the Somerset Wetlands Super National Nature Reserve, as well as securing 81 hectares of Dairy Farm on the Somerset Levels that we are transforming into a pioneering wilding site. These areas are of huge significance to wildlife. Managing these places is only possible thanks to our fundraisers.’—Somerset Wildlife Trust
Bruton Museum stated: ‘We’re immensely grateful to our good friends and benefactors at Hauser & Wirth for their generosity and continued enthusiasm for safe-guarding Bruton’s heritage. The funding has greatly enhanced capacity to care for our collections and share them with the wider community. It has also supported the vital role of our Curator Jackie Brooks, as well as contributing to our temporary CASE SPACE exhibitions.’
STAR’s work with disadvantaged young people helps foster positive childhood memories and improve mental health, wellbeing and social interaction. The fundraising has meant that the children they support were given access to recreational activities and day trips, particularly during the school holidays. One child reflected: ‘Without STAR I couldn’t have gone with my mentee to The Fleet Air Army Museum and had such a wonderful experience. It was the best day I’ve had since being in care.’
From Friday 1 July 2022, we will shift our attention to support three new charities: Art Bank in Shepton Mallet, BruBowl in Bruton and The Growing Space in Wincanton. We are delighted to be in partnership with these organizations who are making positive contributions to their local communities in Somerset.
Art Bank in Shepton Mallet
Art Bank
Since 2018, the Rubbish Art Project has run the Art Bank, a unique arts venue and creative hub, in Shepton Mallet. Their environmental focus means they accept donations of items otherwise bound for landfill from the local community and repurpose it into thought-provoking art.
It is led by a team that is part of the LGBTQ+ community, that also has lived experience of neurodiversity, caring and mental and physical health. They believe that creativity and connection are the key to improved health and wellbeing. They ensure that people can access affordable workshops, events and music at the Art Bank, as well as working closely with local businesses, showcasing independent spirit and promoting the value of town centers.
‘The Rubbish Art Project (aka the Art Bank) is thrilled to be recognized by Hauser & Wirth as a not-for-profit making a difference in the local area. The support offered in terms of donations and promotion is invaluable to us as a grassroots creative arts organization.’
The BruBowl in Bruton
BruBowl
The BruBowl is an exciting new skatepark proposed for Bruton. The multi-wheeled sports facility will accommodate skateboards, bikes, scooters, blades and skates encouraging people to get outside, expend energy and socialize. It is set to become a proven pillar and inclusive destination within the local community, that celebrates all ages, styles and abilities for many generations to come.
‘We’re getting ever closer to our fundraising targets through the generous support of our community, so being selected by Hauser & Wirth to be their charity of choice is simply awesome. This skatepark is something the youth and the town desperately need, we’re so grateful as it’ll only help us build it sooner and start enjoying it.’
The Growing Space in Wincanton
The Growing Space
The Growing Space is a social and therapeutic horticulture charity based in Wincanton, working with a wide range of people and organizations. They provide mood-boosting gardening activities that help lift depression, reduce anxiety and overcome learning disability. These activities also enable people to learn new skills, whilst also benefitting from working collaboratively on projects that improve public outdoor spaces.
They have large greenhouses, with space for fruit, flower and vegetable growing, as well as a new wildlife garden with a large pond. They engage about 40 people a year in gardening activities, with seven dedicated volunteers that help deliver therapeutic services and garden maintenance. Their gardens and propagation facilities are open to local groups who are interested in planting community spaces for the benefit of local people and wildlife.
‘We’re delighted to be one of Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s local charities this year. It will give us the opportunity to continue delivering our therapeutic services, develop them according to local needs and help us through some challenging financial times.’
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