JAYNE LLOYD

COMMUNITY STORIES – CUCKOO FARM STUDIOS

Tucked away in the countryside, just beyond the new leisure and business development off Junction 28 of the A12, converted redundant farm buildings house artists who are the beating heart of Colchester’s art and culture. With Colchester Borough Council as their landlords, rental costs for studio spaces are kept low by tenants working together to maintain the buildings, which would otherwise be derelict.

The aims were clear when it was established, set out in a document by the first chair, Keith Albarn, who noted that art, music and culture enrich the town of Colchester, making it a desirable place to live, boosting the local economy but inevitably increasing the cost of living there. To ensure that the people who facilitate that culture aren’t pushed out, it is vital that they can afford to stay and continue that work.

Read more about Cuckoo Farm Studios below.

As well as enriching lives with art and culture, artists at Cuckoo Farm sell homewares and ceramics, illustrate the pages of national publications, teach workshops at local art galleries and schools and work as technicians installing major exhibitions. They keep traditional skills alive and provide opportunities for everyone to experience art, not just those who can afford it. At a time of huge funding cuts, when the arts are often hit first, it’s important to document these stories.

This feature is part of a longterm documentary project on cultural community groups in Colchester. Additional images and interviews are available on request.

If you would like to find out more please get in touch:
Email: jayne@jaynelloyd.co.uk Tel: 07751233292

Find out more about Cuckoo Farm Studios on their website.