A vibrant public artwork celebrating Weston-super-Mare’s community, and co-created by internationally acclaimed public realm artist Morag Myerscough with local artists and residents, has taken pride of place in the town’s High Street.

‘Super Wonder Shrine’ was officially opened on Friday 9 December at a launch event attended by the artist, community members involved in the project, local councillors and the general public. Alongside speeches, ribbon cutting and live music, there was a ‘pooch parade’ with pet and people portraits, to mark the town’s love of dogs – a central theme that emerged from engagement sessions with the community.

Following Morag Myerscough’s trademark timber-built style, and adorned with bold and colourful patterns and words from the community, Super Wonder Shrine is animating pedestrianised space on the corner of the High Street and Regent Street, an area known locally as Big Lamp Corner.

This is part of ‘21st Century super Shrines’, a pioneering heritage project launched in May 2021 that is managed by Culture Weston. It is part of a four-year High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) cultural programme, funded by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

There are plans to develop a curated programme of free, outdoor ‘happenings’ presented by Culture Weston at the temporary Shrine in the months ahead. These will include music, spoken word and art, alongside a regular people’s platform of community activities.

The project is the culmination of months of community collaboration and activity led locally by visual artist and social maker Megan Clark-Bagnall, through which Morag Myerscough engaged with local people in a series of public sessions. From online discussion forums to in-person workshops, a creatively led exploration of what makes Weston town special resulted in an array of vibrant patterns, warm sentiments and a love of dogs!

The final painting and pattern application of the structure was undertaken by local creatives, together with over 45 students from Weston College with hands-on guidance from Morag Myerscough in what was a genuine skills and community-building process.

Crafted and built by Weston-based master joiner Simon Birtwistle and local maker Shelley Jane, the temporary bandstand shaped structure was constructed from sustainably sourced timber approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and features sheltered seating, a small performance area, words of wonder from local people and an interior roof that bursts with dog names, including Morag’s dog ‘Elvis’. The exterior roof tiles give new life to a recycled dance floor.

Morag Myerscough said: “I have enjoyed every moment of this project. Weston-super-Mare community are incredible and work so closely together with a true sense of belonging, fun and joy. I am grateful to have been invited in and to be able to co-create the ’Super Wonder Shrine' with such an amazing group of humans.”

The project has also created a new YouTube series of ‘Chip Chat’ conversations led by Megan Clark-Bagnall and featuring Morag Myerscough chatting about culture over chips.

Fiona Matthews, creative director at Culture Weston, said: “Involving over 100 community members of all ages in its design and fabrication, this project has radiated joy from first workshop to final polka dot! Morag Myerscough’s fantastic vision stems from working with local communities to co-create artistic landmarks that instill a sense of belonging. The project has also importantly provided employment opportunities for the town’s creatives and offered an unforgettable educational experience to Weston College students.

“Super Wonder Shrine is a multi-faceted and vibrant testament to Weston’s energy and positivity right at the heart of the high street.”

Ellen Harrison, Head of Public Programming at Historic England, said: “The Super Wonder Shrine is a brilliant new landmark in the heart of Weston and a wonderful example of the role culture and creativity play in the regeneration of our high streets. It’ll be the focal point for inspiring events in the coming months and bring even more colour and character to the historic town centre.”

‘Super Wonder Shrine’ has brought together support from local and national organisations, including Weston College, Cuppa Architects, the Sovereign for providing the painting space, YesColours for supplying eco-friendly paints, Faithful+Gould for Construction, Design and Management consultancy, Hydrock for structural engineering support, plus donations from Burges Salmon, Alun Griffiths and Kier.

Jon Barnett is one of our wonderful Computing lecturers here at Weston College. We caught up with him to find out a bit more about what he contributes to the digital faculty.

Jon explained why he enjoys working for Weston College: “I love working here because of the friendly and welcoming environment for both students and staff. It is always a team approach to development and learning, with everyone helping each other. I’ve never worked in an organisation where everyone feels so valued and important!”

“A normal day as a computing lecturer at college usually starts with a staff meeting to discuss any issues, and we work together to build resources. Its brilliant working as such a tight-knit team, as along with working with all your friends, they’re also always there to support you.

“The morning lessons are always full of discussion and developing new skills with the learners, which then takes us up to lunch, where there is another opportunity to chat with the staff again. Lunchtime is also typically where struggling students will come to me for help, where I’m able to encourage and support them, to boost their confidence for the rest of the day. The afternoon teaching sessions are followed typically by a meeting or an opportunity to review the work that our students have done.

“Although this is what a typical day is like, no two days are the same when working with passionate learners who are constantly out doing themselves with their quality of work; it’s an absolute pleasure to see!

“The best part of my role is watching a learner make a break-through; helping a student achieve the moment where all the pieces fall into place is one of the most satisfying moments in teaching.”

Jon told us: “my biggest achievement in this role was watching a group of students develop their own programs, and then watching their pride in their work and the confidence it gave them afterwards.

“If you’re reading this and thinking of going into the teaching profession, particularly digital or computing my advice for you is be as natural, honest and genuine as possible. The learners and the staff will appreciate it, and you’ll bond with them better if you have these attributes. Finally, just enjoy it; it’s a fulfilling and fun job, so have a good time watching these learners develop their skills in front of you. While digital has been around for a little while, it is still one of the most up and coming subjects out there, with so many new inventions on the horizon. Being able to inspire the new generation of people in the digital industry is just as exciting as it is rewarding.”