The Whitegold Project

The Whitegold Project aims to work with creative people, to make innovative and activated public spaces that use art and design to celebrate the culture of clay country, adding to a sense of place.

We believe that events, art in public spaces and greening projects which are socially aware can play a vital role in helping to generate pride in the area, increase a sense of ownership, develop cultural identity and contribute to a better quality of life.

The Whitegold Project will foster local, national and international cultural activity and exchange around clay, ceramics and the arts which explores future sustainability through a variety of means. Projects include the Whitegold Festival and as well as small and large-scale, permanent and temporary art installations made from the clay and about the culture of clay country. Two growing initiatives are the Whitegold International Ceramic Prize and Clay Exchange, supporting new collaborations and cultural networks. The object of the Whitegold Project is to raise the profile of St Austell as a world recognised destination for art and clay, an great place to live and an attraction for visitors from across the globe.

Inspired by Cornish ceramicists, Jenny Beavan, Paul Jackson and many other creative people in St Austell, Whitegold has been curated Dr Alex Murdin from ruralrecreation since 2016. The team now includes co-curator Dr Katie Bunnell and festival producer Cat Radford.

Many thanks to our funders and supporters without whom the Whitegold Project would not be possible.

APS Construction
Arts Council England
Coastal Communities Fund
Cornwall Council
Eco-Bos
Eden Project
Feast
Imerys
Nationwide Print
St Austell BID
St Austell Brewery
St Austell Printing Company
St Austell Town Council
The Great British Coast
Wheal Martyn
White River Place

In particular we thank the Coastal Communities fund which awarded St Austell a £1 million contribution to transform the St Austell area as a visitor destination. The Coastal Communities Fund is run by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). MHCLG say:
The Great British Coast has enormous Economic Potential and this government is determined to see it thrive all year round.
That’s why by 2020 the government will have invested £250 million in our much loved seaside areas through dedicated programmes like the Coastal Communities Fund to help in generating jobs and boosting businesses.
So far, MHCLG analysis shows that this has been money well spent; with every pound invested having the potential to create up to an £8 boost to our coastal economies.  To find out more visit the Coastal Communities fund website.