Totem Pole Project Update & Action

I received the following appeal from the WHALE Arts Agency.....

'Subject: Totem Pole Project Update & Action

Hello

After much discussion and planning I am delighted to attach a copy of the schedule for the design and carving of the first Wester Hailes Totem Pole.

I would like to request your help in spreading the word about the project as widely as possible throughout the community so that we can ensure a high turn out at all of the sessions which are open to people of all ages.

DESIGN SESSIONS:
Friday 13th January 14:30 - 16:30 at WHALE Arts Centre
Saturday 14th January 14:00 - 16:00 at Wester Hailes Library
Saturday 21st January 14:00 - 16:00 at WHALE Arts Centre

The 3 design sessions will be chance for people to work with Robin Wood the lead artist on this project and put forward their suggestions for what the carved design of the pole will look like.
By the end of the 3rd session we will have an agreed design which can then be worked up as a carved pole at the end of January.

TECH SESSIONS
Saturday 14th January 10:00 - 12:00 at WHALE Arts Centre
Friday 20th January 14:30 - 16:30 at Wester Hailes Library
Saturday 21st January 10:00 - 12:00 at WHALE Arts Centre

The Tech 'digital inclusion' sessions will be taking place in January to ensure local people of all ages can get practical help and guidance on how to access the wide variety of Wester Hailes social history resources that are available through QR (quick response) Codes via mobile phones and online via computers as part of the project.

These sessions will also be an opportunity for people to add their own stories, photos, films and memories to the Wester Hailes social history archive.

Furthermore the sessions will allow people to suggest what other information they would like to have available through the QR codes on the pole for example 'What's On' info, a chance to suggest what they would like to see in the area, volunteering/timebank opportunities etc

If you would like a Tech Session to be run at/for your organisation or any local group please let me know and I will try to get it arranged.

CARVING SESSIONS
Taking place at WHALE Arts between the 30th January and 8th February

Morning Session
The morning session will be a chance to watch Robin Wood at work as the community's design starts to take shape and a 20ft, 300 year old, piece of timber becomes the only 21st Century Memory Pole in Wester Hailes - and possibly the world!!

Afternoon Session
The afternoon session will be a chance for individuals or small groups to get 'hands on' and have a go at carving the pole under the expert guidance of Robin Wood.

I will be in touch again early in the New Year to discuss the project with you but in the meantime any help you can offer in publicising the events would be much appreciated.

Have a great festive season.

Allan

--

Allan Farmer

Interim Chief Executive

WHALE Arts

30 Westburn Grove
Edinburgh
EH14 2SA
Mob: 07737 032 034
Tel: 0131 458 3267 
WHALE Arts Agency is a company limited by guarantee (SC180118) with charitable status (SC020305)

www.whalearts.co.uk

We're on FACEBOOK - search for WHALE Arts Agency

Make a Donation to WHALE Arts - http://localgiving.com/whaleartsagency '

This project is good on many levels. It is participatory  and gets people involved with the history of the area with a hands on skills approach.