SWITCHBOOK - Sketchbook Circle for Art Leaders

SWITCHBOOK is an innovative collaboration, bringing together art educators and artists from across Somerset, working side-by-side on a continuous sketchbook journey. This blended CPD programme is led by SPAEDA and resourced by network events, peer to peer support and skills share.

The programme runs from October 2024 to June 2025. You will collaborate with peers, sharing your sketchbooks by post, once a month.

Why take part?

SWITCHBOOK has been established to connect arts, cultural and educational practitioners together for mutual learning and support. This is an initiative for Somerset, based on the model of the original Sketchbook Circle. SPAEDA trialled the idea back in 2017, to great effect, and is now in its 4th year! The original circle was set up because art educators wanted to challenge themselves as artists, looking for a way to fit in making around the hectic life of a teacher. This monthly project creates a routine. The deadline to send work means you will find time to make work. Time to invest in you.

SWITCHBOOK is for EVERYONE, regardless of your starting point, confidence or experience in art and there will be opportunities to learn new ideas and share techniques all the way through.

SWITCHBOOK is designed to encourage networks, partnerships and relationships between educational, cultural and artist communities.

• Enjoy being part of a community of artists and educators.
• Receive an exciting parcel from the artists you are working with each month.
• Share your work with your students or anyone else you are working with.
• Commit yourself to your own creativity and become part of a very special project.

Want to join the Somerset Sketchbook Circle and take part in SWITCHBOOK?

To sign up for SWITCHBOOK you will need to pay the £75 fee and attend our introduction event on the 10th of October 2024. At this event you will meet your postal partners, learn more about SWITCHBOOK and how it works, set your own goals and expectations and take part in a group sketchbook practical.  From there you will start swapping sketchbooks each month for the duration of the programme.

You can see examples of previous cohorts involvment and learn more about the programme here.

Previous participants have said:

“New ideas and opportunities – sharing skills.” “Feeling supported and not alone.” “Gives us an appropriate sounding board for creative arts development for our new school”

- Switchbook 2017

“I've really enjoyed switching off with it, once I was brave enough to get started, I could've gone on and on!" "This is such a great project; the responses made me do something complex and different. Thank you for the inspiration”

- Switchbook 2020

“Corresponding with other teacher artists and makers gave me time to focus on my own development in a friendly and supportive way.”

- Switchbook 2022