While art enthusiasts often overlook the Cornish town of Bodmin in favor of coastal gems like St Ives and Newlyn, a bold new festival is setting out to change that—and it’s sparking a cultural revolution in the process. Meet Flamm (https://flamm.creativekernow.org.uk/), a dynamic celebration of contemporary art named after the Cornish word for 'flame' or 'spark,' igniting the hinterland of Cornwall this weekend. But here's where it gets controversial: can a single event truly transform a town’s identity and challenge its perceived place in the art world? Let’s dive in.
Flamm isn’t just another art festival—it’s a mission to redefine Bodmin, a town rich in history but rarely associated with creativity. From a haunting clay sculpture of jackdaws inspired by the local legend of Rose Wright (https://www.bodminjail.org/bodmin-jail-its-inmates/bodmin-jail-blog/the-jackdaws-of-bodmin-jail/), the Bodmin jail inmate who allegedly trained birds to steal coins, to an eerie sound installation on a railway platform, the festival blends the past with the present in unexpected ways. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about art—it’s about community, social change, and giving a voice to the overlooked.
Take, for instance, the bright pink 'walking sculpture' Re:Rooted, created by artist Katie Etheridge in collaboration with Bodmin’s youth organization KBSK. Inspired by themes of navigation and connection, the piece resonates deeply after Storm Goretti uprooted thousands of trees across Cornwall (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/14/cornwall-beauty-spot-trees-storm-gorett-st-michaels-mount), revealing hidden roots beneath the surface. But the real magic? The festival is empowering young locals to reimagine their town through projects like an alternative map of Bodmin, highlighting cherished spots like a fried chicken shop, a tyre swing, and a clock tower rendezvous—places that don’t appear on tourist maps but hold immense meaning for residents.
Bold claim: Art and culture can be catalysts for social change. Fin Irwin, one of the organizers, believes Flamm is more than an exhibition—it’s a movement. 'When you bring people together, you create a shared sense of purpose and belonging,' Irwin explains. 'Pride in a place is where change begins, and that’s when economic and social growth starts to happen.' But is this just idealistic thinking, or can art truly bridge the gap between deprived areas like Bodmin and affluent neighbors like Padstow and Rock? We’ll let you decide.
The festival also features pieces from the Liverpool Biennial 2025 (https://www.biennial.com/?gl=117fj6egupMQ..gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiA2PrMBhA4EiwAwpHyC3-m0S4-kxy-4-dMbjRmk-VsXgN5ps42b4i5ZMlqSgHY-FUu-uxoChmUQAvDBwE&gbraid=0AAAAApFzGT4qe-v7xzMaO4msf9QsKY2y), the UK’s largest free contemporary art festival, and collaborations with organizations like Counterpoints Arts (https://counterpoints.org.uk/about/), which uses culture to foster compassion. Meanwhile, artist Rachael Jones is bringing Bodmin’s military museum to life by displaying enlarged images of its artifacts—like a WWII teddy bear and bullet casings carved into art—around the town while the museum undergoes repairs. 'It’s about making history accessible,' Jones says, 'and showing that Bodmin has stories worth sharing.'
So, here’s the question: Can a festival like Flamm truly redefine a town’s identity, or is it just a fleeting moment of creativity? Bodmin’s residents are already reassessing their home, with one participant remarking, 'It’s when you look at a map of Bodmin that you realize how much we’ve got.' But will this spark last? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.
Flamm takes place in Bodmin on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1. Don’t miss your chance to witness this cultural flame in action. (https://flamm.creativekernow.org.uk/)
