Bodmin, a Cornish town often overlooked by art enthusiasts in favor of coastal gems like St Ives and Newlyn, is about to ignite a cultural revolution. But here's where it gets exciting: an innovative festival named Flamm—derived from the Cornish word for 'flame' or 'spark'—is transforming this unsung town into a vibrant hub of contemporary art this weekend. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about art; it’s about redefining Bodmin’s identity and sparking social change.
The festival features a diverse array of installations, from a clay sculpture of jackdaws—inspired by the local legend of Rose Wright, a Bodmin jail inmate accused of training birds to steal coins—to a haunting sound installation on a railway platform. Controversially, some might question whether such avant-garde art truly resonates with the town’s history, but that’s precisely the point: Flamm challenges perceptions and invites dialogue. Bright pink 'walking sculptures' and images inspired by the town’s military museum are popping up in unexpected places, turning Bodmin into a living gallery.
Professional artists and curators from Cornwall and beyond have collaborated with local amateurs of all ages to make this happen. Fin Irwin, one of the organizers, notes that while Bodmin has a rich history, it’s rarely associated with art and culture. But here’s the bold claim: Flamm aims to bridge that gap by creating high-quality contemporary work accessible to those who might not typically seek it out. Irwin believes art can be a catalyst for social change, fostering a sense of pride and community that drives economic and social growth—a bold statement in a town where deprivation contrasts sharply with the affluence of nearby Padstow, Polzeath, and Rock.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: pieces from the Liverpool Biennial 2025, the UK’s largest free contemporary art festival, are being showcased in Bodmin. Counterpoints Arts, an organization dedicated to building a more compassionate society through culture, is also participating. Artist Katie Etheridge, working with the Bodmin youth organization KBSK, has created a magenta pink 'walking sculpture' called Re:Rooted, symbolizing navigation and connection to place. But here’s the thought-provoking part: the sculpture’s timing is eerily apt, given that Storm Goretti uprooted thousands of trees across Cornwall in January, exposing roots usually hidden underground. Etheridge and KBSK have also produced an alternative map of Bodmin, highlighting landmarks cherished by young locals—like a fried chicken shop and a tyre swing—that challenge traditional tourist perspectives.
Rachael Jones, an artist and filmmaker, has partnered with Bodmin Keep, the town’s military museum, to bring its collection to the streets while the museum undergoes repairs. But here’s the emotional hook: among the artifacts featured are a teddy bear carried by an American soldier during World War II and bullet casings carved into tiny pieces of art by service personnel. Jones reflects that Bodmin, often overlooked, is proving to be an exciting place for artistic creation. The question remains: Can art truly transform a town’s identity and future?
Flamm takes place in Bodmin on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1. What do you think? Can a festival like this redefine a town’s cultural landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
