Bas-Arts-Index

18/06/2026

Join Creative Basildon and Bas-Arts-Index to explore Henry Moore Studio and Garden!

Sign up for a FREE coach and entry ticket to visit Henry Moore Studio and Garden on Saturday 8th of August.

Read more about the destination here: https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/

Experience Henry Moore’s iconic artworks in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside at the artist’s former home, studios and sculpture gardens.

⚙️ ☄️On the day that we visit there will be a free green sand casting & aluminium pour demonstration at 15.00 if you would like to attend on site. ☄️⚙️ ( WOW!)

https://henry-moore.org/whats-on/sculpture-series-green-sand-casting-aluminium-pour/

As spaces are limited, booking is essential ⛓️

https://forms.gle/FQAuZGNvUG6BPu5UA

*** ☀️Please fill in form by July 15th ☀️ ***

If you have any questions please email [email protected]

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU !

18/06/2026

More on last Saturday's flag making activity with .

With a combination of commercially available t-shirt pens and home made fabric paint, much (messy) fun was had by all.

Now we've got yet another sign that can be seen from far off so that folk can find us, although we may need to make a bigger flag at some point due to the size of that pole!

17/06/2026

In English, we’ve been using the word “picnic” since 1748; although the English had been using the phrase “repas à picnïque” in French for more than half a century before that. Back then it meant a meal, to which every diner either brought their own food to enjoy, or contributed a dish or two to a shared meal.... But they were generally enjoyed indoors. Whether this is due to social niceties or the effects of the British weather (it was the tail end of the Little Ice Age after all), we'll never know.

Picnics gradually moved outdoors and gained in popularity through the Victorian era. It’s nice to know that in nearly three and a third centuries since the first documented use of the term, not a lot has changed!

We had so much fun on Saturday with The Gloucester Park Community Group and all of our wonderful attendees.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the food, and to Maks Desi Delights for the fabulous fruity drinks. Thanks to Jintou Martial arts and Anthony Marriage for the tai chi, Emma Oliver for the flag making activity, and David Murray and (Pick yer feet up) for the music.

The next one will be on 11th July. Keep an eye on our socials for more information, or come to Gloucester Park between 2 and 5:30pm and look for the flag, umbrellas, and gazebo.

(thanks also to National Lottery Community Find and Essex Community Foundation)

15/06/2026

Artist Residency Opportunity
Friday 4th – Sunday 6th September 2026
 
We are pleased to invite Bas-Arts-Index members to apply to go on a weekend long residency at in Bradwell on Sea. 
This is an exciting opportunity to have dedicated time to focus on your creative practice and your making while engaging in group discussions and sharing with fellow residency artists. 
This residency is all about what would be helpful for you; whether that’s reading a book that has been on your reading list for ages, or making new physical work whether that’s 2D, video, writing or performance in the landscape. 
Accommodation and food has all been paid for and you will receive a small travel budget of £50. There are some unique spaces inside and outside to make work, but there is no designated solo studio for each artist. 
 
How to Apply
Please submit in a single PDF
* Max 250 words - tell us about you and your creative practice. 
* Max 250 words - tell us about why you would like to go on this residency and what you would like to achieve/create.
* Include any images of your practice if it is helpful for your application
 
Who can apply:  Anyone that is a current Bas Art Index member. 
 
Accessibility: Othona is equipped with accessible facilities, for more information please see the FAQs on the Othona Website: https://www.othona.org/essex/your-visit/faqs/
If you have any specific requirements please add this to your email. 
 
Please let us know of any barriers you might be facing towards attending i.e. health conditions, caring responsibilities for children or other family members, or other needs and we will explore possible solutions with you on a case by case basis.
 
Please submit your pdf to [email protected] with subject heading Othona Residency. 
Deadline for applications is 1st July and you will be informed of the outcome by 10th July. 
For more information about Othona please follow the link here: 
www.othona.org/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=2399®ion=essex

13/06/2026

Look forward to seeing you later :)
Rain has passed and sun will be out 🌞

Gloucester Park Community Picnic, Saturday June 13th 2-5.30pm Gathering!

Join Gloucester Park Community Group - Basildon (Public) and Bas Arts Index for a free community picnic in Gloucester Park.

This is a relaxed, family-friendly gathering bringing residents together through shared food, creativity, music, wellbeing and community connection. There will be gentle arts activities, space for children and families, local creative contributions, and some home-cooked community food tasters.

Everyone is welcome. Bring a picnic blanket, your own snacks or lunch if you’d like, and come spend time with neighbours in a welcoming outdoor space.

Please note: some community food tasters will be available, but this is not a fully catered event. Food will be prepared in home kitchens and labelled where possible. If you have allergies or dietary needs, please speak to the organisers before eating.

Tai Chi will be led by Gary Matthews of Jintou Basildon - if you are interesting in Tai Chi, come along or check out his website: https://www.jintou.co.uk/

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

The Gloucester Park Community Group

09/06/2026

Have you heard the news ? and are inviting you to picnics all throughout the summer in Gloucester Park. Dates for your diary are June 13th / July 11th / August 15th / September 12th

We’ll see you this Saturday June 13th at 2pm till 5pm. Bring sun bloc, blanket and a bite to eat. We’ll have arts and crafts, food tasters from around the world, games, t’ai chi and live music.

Thank you

05/06/2026

Hello Bas Arts Members

There is a planning application live at the moment for the redevelopment of the M&S store in the town centre. It includes entertainment area / food and beverage/ market cabins on the ground floor. On the first floor it has artist studios ! And the roof of padel courts and sauna huts.

You can view the application here, follow the link and then click on the documents tab to see the drawings :

https://planning.basildon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=TCJQ9ACQJRV00&activeTab=summary

Alternatively it should be ok to email direct:
[email protected]

It says consultation is open until 21st June.

Ref: 26/00338/FULL

Some things to think about :

⭐️ are these the kind of creative spaces you would use ?

⭐️ how about studio sizes and shapes

⭐️ what other kinds of areas might creative people need (workshop space / exhibition / meeting areas)

It seems to be a positive proposal all in all - but that’s up to you to decide. It would be great if local creatives could show support (if you like the concept) and also input some tips of how it might be improved.

Will put some screen shots in the comments 🌞

Thanks!