the Stories of 2023 coming soon

About

StoryTown is a celebration of storytelling in all its formats.

We work with our local schools, with our high street shops and businesses, the Library and other storytellers. StoryTown is led by Corsham Town Council, but could not take place without the support of:

We are very grateful to everyone for their involvement.

our mission

StoryTown is a year-round project to unite the Corsham community through the love of story in all its forms. Its purpose is to stimulate creativity and love of story-related arts, to connect disparate parts of the community, give focus to the town’s arts-related activities and businesses, and to establish a brand for Corsham that showcases all it has to offer. It is a co-production between Corsham Town Council and Bath Spa University.

structure

StoryTown is intentionally open-architecture in nature. Events can take place at any time of the year. Any group, business, individual, school, club, venue or combination of them can create their own StoryTown events or even attach an established event to the StoryTown calendar. The Town Council will help promote those events under the StoryTown brand and, where possible, offer technical assistance or even funding. It is hoped that StoryTown will find its own momentum year on year, so it becomes a natural part of the cultural life of Corsham.

story

Throughout history story has played a part in all of our lives, developing language, understanding, religion, philosophy, politics, social culture, learning and community. Songs, slogans, sales pitches, parables, plays, poems, sagas, letters, lessons, pictures, art installations, novels – literate and graphic, films, pub talk, jokes, games, journalism are all manifestations. Corsham has always been a place that nurtures story; many story-creators live in the area and we are incredibly fortunate to have the Pound Arts Centre, Bath Spa University, Corsham Library and many clubs and associations here to keep this legacy alive.

WHY STORYTOWN?

Creating the StoryTown ‘umbrella’ means we can appeal to, and bring together, all parts of the community in an entertaining, engaging, educational and fun way. People living in new developments on the outskirts of the town will get the opportunity to engage with people who have lived here all their lives. Those who live in Corsham but, because they commute elsewhere every day, don’t actually know Corsham will get a chance to discover the vibrant town that is their home. Older residents can share their knowledge with our youngest residents, and vice versa.

Everyone has a story to tell, which means that StoryTown can be for everyone. It can become a beacon for the town, benefitting the community and visitors alike. StoryTown, if given the right level of investment in time, energy, innovation, enthusiasm and cash can boost community cohesion, the local economy, ticket sales and, above all, the community spirit and well-being of the people who live and work here.