The Laindon Bench Project is a community art project taking place at various locations around Laindon in January and February 2025
Come along, meet and chat to others from your community, and then create your own photographic self-portrait sitting on our ‘friendship bench’.
At the end of the project, the portraits will be displayed in Laindon, creating an outdoor exhibition that celebrates friendships and the community.
Afterwards the bench will be decorated and donated to the community.
Who is behind the project?
Creative Basildon has commissioned local photographer Mark Massey for this project. It was selected by Laindon Voices, one of five community voice programmes across the Basildon borough. Other projects are taking place at the same time in Wickford, Pitsea, Basildon and Billericay.
Who can take part?
Anyone can come along to any of the public events - just turn up! (or let us know you're coming via EventBrite) There will also be some sessions held within local schools.
How do I actually create my self-portrait?
It’s a simple process: everything will be set up for you - all you need to do is to hold a remote switch and press when ready!
How do I pose?
You can sit on your own or with friends, or with others you meet on the day. You can be as serious or as fun or as creative as you like - you could bring along a prop such as a book, your bike, or something that interests or represents you.
Can I get a copy of my self-portrait?
Yes! If you leave your email address, you will be sent a digital copy.
What if I don’t want to be photographed?
You can still take part - either we’ll find a way to obscure your face or you can bring along something that represents you.
What’s the difference between a selfie and a self-portrait?
There are lots of differences, but one of them is that selfies are usually spontaneous, whereas self-portraits are usually a little more considered and thought-through. Selfies are also more about a time and a place whereas self-portraits are more about the person and their emotions.
When and where can I see the portraits?
From mid-March, all the portraits will be displayed on the hoardings around the old shopping centre, close to Laindon Health Centre. There will also be a smaller selection on display at the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Langdon Nature Discovery Park.
What happens to the bench after the project?
The bench will be decorated at a workshop run by two local artists, at the exhibition opening on 15th March. We would then like to donate it somewhere that would benefit the community - if you have a suggestion, please let us know!
About Creative Basildon
Creative Basildon is one of 39 Creative People and Places (CPP) projects funded by Arts Council England. CPP is a national initiative that aims to increase the number of people choosing, creating and taking part in brilliant art experiences in the places where they live, particularly where evidence shows that people are less involved in arts and cultural activities than elsewhere in England.
About Creative Basildon’s Field Artists
Creative Basildon’s Field Artists deliver engaging projects within a specific town or community, working closely with local residents and creating public art projects in response.
About Mark Massey
Mark is a photographer and graphic designer from Southend. In 2021, Creative Basildon commissioned his New Town Portraits project as part of their Open Lab programme in Basildon. He has worked on several Essex-based photography projects, and with various groups in Southend, Basildon and Thurrock.
The Laindon Bench Project has been commissioned by Creative Basildon and is supported through funding from Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme. With additional support from Sanctuary.
