Introduction

The Severn Project engaged experienced artists to work with communities, in a range of settings, to interpret the river, its impact on land, country and people both past and present to create ambitious and inspiring arts activities and events.

At the heart of the Industrial Revolution the River Severn and its network of canals and railways threw open the doors of trade and communications, attracting some of the countries most innovative thinkers. This combination had a major impact on the entire country and its legacy is still obvious in the landscape today.

The Severn Project demonstrated how the arts:

• Support community cohesion by engaging individuals and communities in an interactive experience
• Combine heritage and landscape interpretation to mutually support each other to deliver experiential learning.
• Create spectacular events with large scale local participation reconnecting communities with each other and the landscapes that link them.
• To ignite local ambition, instil civic pride and to positively contribute to local economies and tourism.

The Severn Project was led by a partnership of local authorities whose aim was to create a project that improved people's wellbeing and their sense of place whilst supporting the economic sustainability of the rural economy. This was achieved by bringing together communities, organisations, tourism and business leaders with some of the UK's most inspiring creatives.