March 2025

We have received funding from Art Fund for an exciting schools’ engagement project inspired by the international public art and climate action project THE HERDS.

From April to August 2025, ever-growing herds of life-size puppet animals will stampede into cities across Africa and Europe to flee climate disaster. THE HERDS is a public artwork on a scale never before attempted and will vividly dramatise the climate crisis.

With support from Art Fund, Wheal Martyn Clay Works joins THE HERDS alongside 43 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, bringing artistic events, workshops and educational activities to local communities to inspire the next generation and deepen connections with the natural world.

‘THE HERDS with Wheal Martyn’ is a creative project connecting our local primary-aged children to THE HERDS. Our project will use our museum collection and beautiful outdoor site to inspire creative writing, dance and performance, with a focus on wildlife, habitats and the climate crisis.
 
Gemma Martin, Education Officer at Wheal Martyn, said “We can’t wait to unlock stories and poetry inspired by our museum and grounds. We are delighted to be working with local dance practitioner Rob Mennear, who will co-create dance performances with schools, bringing the children’s writing to life.” 

THE HERDS will engage with audiences along the 20,000km route with special UK performances in London 27 – 29 June, and Greater Manchester 3 – 5 July. All events are free and have been designed in collaboration with local partners to create a hugely powerful participatory event.
 
An accompanying learning resource ‘Let The Wildness In’, supported by Art Fund, will be available to engage schools, families and communities across the world with free downloadable resources, education and activity packs, reading lists, lesson plans and open-source puppetry design kits.

THE HERDS is presented in partnership with global climate organisations – including WWF International, Save the Elephants, Wild Africa, Global Rewilding Alliance and TED Countdown - as well as numerous arts organisations, scientists, artists, zoologists, politicians, climate activists, universities and civil society groups across Central, West and North Africa and Europe to present one united call for action.
  
Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund said: “Art Fund is supporting 44 museums and galleries across the UK take part in THE HERDS with their communities. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational activities, we’re excited to enable even more people of all ages to get involved in their local area and be inspired by museum collections and this extraordinary international climate movement.”

THE HERDS is produced by David Lan and Tracey Seaward for The Walk Productions and created by Amir Nizar Zuabi with Executive Producer Sarah Loader.

‘THE HERDS with Wheal Martyn’ is inspired by THE HERDS and supported by Art Fund.