SWITCHBOOK – Join our sketchbook community!

THE SWITCHBOOK STORY

SWITCHBOOK was 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 8th 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.

For our 8th year of SWITCHBOOK we are excited to announce that we are opening up SWITCHBOOK to a broader audience, inviting individuals from a variety of backgrounds to join, not just teachers. We believe this will create a more diverse and vibrant community of sketchbook enthusiasts, opening the potential for more creative partnerships across Somerset. Whether you’re an artist, a teacher, an arts advocate or simply someone passionate about creativity and community, we welcome you to be a part of this growing collective.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Bringing together creatives from across Somerset, you will work side-by-side on a continuous sketchbook journey. This programme is ran remotely and resourced by optional gallery visits, network events, peer to peer support and skills share.

You will collaborate with your assigned sketchbook partners, sharing your sketchbook by post, once a month. Once you have received a sketchbook you will respond to their work. You might wish to respond by following their theme, colours or techniques or a particular train of thought that their sketchbook inspires. By the end of the programme, you will have a complete sketchbook to take home and treasure.

WHO IS SWITCHBOOK FOR?

SWITCHBOOK is for EVERYONE, regardless of your starting point, confidence or experience in art, 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 communities.

HOW DO I TAKE PART?

To sign up for SWITCHBOOK 2025, simply pay the £25 fee and fill in your details below. Once registered, we’ll contact you in January with everything you need to begin your sketchbook journey, including details of your designated sketchbook partners for the year.

The deadline for signing up is Sunday 5th January.

SEE WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY…

You can see examples of previous cohorts' involvement and learn more about the programme here. Or follow us on Instagram to stay updated: @spaeda_arts!

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”

“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”

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