The Official Programme for “If Trees Could Talk Devon”…

We are just about ready to begin! Over 70 people and organisations have contributed to creating quite a distinctive line-up. It represents the start of something, not the closing of doors. (We continue to take listings for the digital programme here. Enriching the landscape will be a good thing! ) We are beginning to plan and talk with potential partners and funders about a year round programme that could leads us toward the 2028 Festival with more community co-creations to highlight.

For NOW, the printed guides will become available Wednesday next week, in time for our two exhibitions and programmes of workshops at Devon County Show, and the Crediton Arts Centre Summer Show (Opening Reception Friday evening at 7). (See you at one or the other? Or both?)

It’s time to spread our branches and call forth the leaves.

Yes please to sharing, inviting, celebrating our news. (a newsletter friendly blurb is below)  Yes, we still welcome sponsors, and have opportunities for association and support. Yes, we will benefit from publicity and word of mouth. Yes, we will have print programmes to get in places where people will pick them up. However you can help is much appreciated. 

Also, please don’t be shy about pointing out the QR code on the cover, inviting people to make a contribution for the guide.  We are suggesting £3 per copy, and have a digital download available on the website for £1. All the events ARE also listed and visible for free – we like to think we are evidencing the value of a bit of artist design work and/or curation with the guide. Yes, tech makes it all accessible, but not necessarily more consumable.

IF you have a newsletter, know someone with a newsletter, can help get us in a newsletter…. please do! Here’s a blurb for where we are at now – and thank you!

A major new Devon-wide festival celebrating trees, creativity and wellbeing will launch at the Devon County Show next week, bringing together artists, scientists, farmers and communities across the county. “If Trees Could Talk Devon” is a 10-week programme of exhibitions, public art, workshops, talks and community events inspired by an international art biennale in the Philippines and rooted in Devon’s own landscapes and ecosystems. Among those taking part are renowned artist Andrew Carnie, forestry leader Sir Harry Studholme, Earthwatch Europe CEO Harry Barton and former Leader of the first-ever London Borough of Culture, Clare Coghill.

The full programme is available now online for a small contribution. Volunteers will be helping circulate printed copies from 22 May. Browse and Book the events HERE.  

Communities across Devon are also invited to contribute further events for a small administrative fee.