What are mechanisms of the arts that enable and accelerate change? Why does it work? What are the political arguments for arts-led processes?

Catherine West, one of two UK artists in “The Creative Instigators Handbook” is the founder of Significant Seams, and has led numerous community-engaged art projects. She has worked at two international arts festivals and as a researcher on an Erasmus project called “Art & Social Change.” She is coordinating the Devon “If Trees Could Talk” programme.

Clare Coghill was leader of Waltham Forest Council when they bid for and won the first-ever ‘‘London Borough of Culture” as part of an arts-led regeneration strategy. Now based in Bideford, she chairs the Development Board.

Vanessa Miles, is a photographer, artist, educator and social entrepreneur. She founded Well Image CIC which runs photography workshops to enhance wellbeing. She also founded the UK’s first picture library specialising in environmental issues, which she sold to Greenpeace International in 1994.

This is one of five talks in June and July at Ashburton Arts Centre which form part of
If Trees Could Talk Devon 2026 International Art Biennale in conjunction with Significant Seams here in Devon, and the Tuvmboa-Tunmba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art, Batangas, Philippines.

See iftreescouldtalk.art and significantseams.org.uk
All five events are listed at wegottickets.com/IfTreesCouldTalk2026

Ashburton Arts Centre
Always three prices – please pay what you can. Pay less, come to more! See Access, Tickets & Finding Us for more about why there are three ticket prices, plus other useful info about coming to events at Ashburton Arts Centre.

Level access from street – please contact us on boxoffice@ashburtonarts.org.uk if a wheelchair space is needed, or if you have any other special requirements.