Farnworth Arts Festival 2006

VIEW PROJECT GALLERY

As part of Farnworth Arts Festival 2005, Action Factory provided a training opportunity for artists to learn more about gigante building. During the session and over the following months a big plaster mold for making elephants for future festivals was created.

The 2006 festival has provided the opportunity for utilising the plaster mold. Carton is the traditional modelling material used in Spain for gigante building however we were unable to source this material in the UK. Arts workers carried out a number of experiments to simulate the carton using the office paper shredder, newspapers, pillowcases, an old washing machine, wall paper paste and paper making techniques.

The technique was demonstrated at Mount St Josephs School and the year 10 pupils worked with the artists to fill the mold. The papier mache cast has been pieced together, decorated with the students designs and put on display at the school. Arts workers have learned a great deal about using this process. We hope we will get the opportunity to teach other local artists about what we have learned so the mold can continue to be used for future festivals.

Funded by Bolton Housing % for Art and through Action Factory's training budget.