Why a Beehive?
A beehive is a natural collective, formed by a series of individuals who contribute unique skills and processes to enrich their community as a whole. 'The Beehive', therefore, felt like the perfect metaphor for the project: a public art installation that champions community cohesion and celebrates individuals, offering them a supportive space to exhibit their skill sets and methods of self-expression. The project supports the environment through collaborating with local hives, the rewards of wildflower seeds and the recycling of donated clothing.
The Beehive project can be split into two main chunks: The Build and The Tour.
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The Build:
The build of The Beehive aims to involve local communities around Tolworth, Kingston, Surbiton, Long Ditton, and surrounding areas in various ways. To make the internal lining of The Beehive, I am running free inclusive creative workshops with schools, hospitals, care homes and an array of social groups. I will be teaching individuals new skills and encouraging people to work together. An international open call for handmade bees is running until July 10th, inviting creatives to submit their work to be exhibited in the Beehive as it tours. Recycled textiles will be used to make the lining - those donated with a personal memory will feature in the project's book (published by Sampson Low Ltd). The geodesic structure will be built using local materials in collaboration with SHEDx and the design and architecture firm the 121 Collective.
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The Tour:
The Beehive installation will tour the local area visiting a variety of public spaces for a minimum of 3 months. The Beehive will be a constantly evolving space full of workshops, performances, film screenings, talks, events and more, highlighting all the creative talent existing in the local area and giving people an accessible platform to playfully experiment with their ideas.
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Who has supported The Beehive so far?
The Beehive project has had a cracking start - so far it is supported by:
- SHEDx: A 2 year GLA funded project supporting community-led regeneration in Tolworth
- The Community Brain: A Community Interest Company focused on utilising people’s natural talents and energies to develop stronger communities and relationships
- The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames
- The Mayor of London
How can you contribute?
Help fund this campaign:
- Simply make a pledge - hit the pink BACK IT button at the top of this page
- Pledge for one of the project's fantastic rewards - choose from a range of rewards contributed by emerging artists and local organisations
- Invite others to make a pledge
- To donate in GBP without conversion charge click on the total below and edit your currency settings.
Promote The Beehive:
- Tell your friends!
- Share The Beehive's website on social media (www.debbiechessell.com)
- Display The Beehive flyers and posters in your establishment
- Talk about the project on your podcast, radio show, newspaper, blog or any other platform - contact Debbie at hello@debbiechessell.com to arrange an interview
Get involved:
- Would you like to make a bee to live in The Beehive? Download the spec form
- Are you part of a craft group who would like to make hexagons for The Beehive? Download a template (including a knitting/crochet pattern) here
- Do you have any unwanted yellow, orange, brown or light coloured fabrics and clothing? Post or deliver them to FAO Debbie Chessell, The Beehive, 59 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 5JR
- If you would like to share a memory associated with your fabric donation that will be featured in The Beehive book, download this form
- Do you work with or know of a community group that could benefit from one of our workshops? Get in touch by emailing hello@debbiechessell.com
- Would you like to run a workshop during The Beehive's tour? Fill out this proposal form
