What is it?
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Connecting Threads is the cultural strand of the landscape-scale project Destination Tweed. Led by Tweed Forum, Destination Tweed will celebrate the assets and riches of the River Tweed, one of the UK’s most important and highly designated river corridors. The aim is to create a unique and world class visitor destination, building a clear identity whilst conserving, connecting and pr
omoting multiple attractions and communities. The aspiration is for the Tweed to become known as one of the great long-distance trails in the UK. Connecting Threads weaves cultural activity through the project. Working in partnership with local communities and cultural, environmental and educational organisations, we will develop and, funding permitting, deliver a 5-year cultural programme shaped by the river’s habitats and heritage. Activities, events, performances and artworks situated in, on and alongside the river will invite communities and visitors to make deeper connections to the Tweed, support a sustainable locally-driven economy and strengthen cultural leadership within the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Northumberland. Where are we at?
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Connecting Threads is currently in a 12-month development stage. Hosted by the Southern Uplands Partnership, the project is being led by Tweed River Cultural Curator Rachel Hunter and River Culture Animateur Emily Cropton. Over the course of the year we will be engaging with the communities and organisations based on and around the river to identify, uncover and explore the cultural heritage of the Tweed and the value it holds for the people closest to it. By working with people from beyond the river’s source to the sea, we aim to build a broad picture of contemporary river culture to help shape the proposed 5-year cultural programme and biennial River Festival. What's next?
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A pilot programme for the Middle Tweed, from Innerleithen to Kelso, will allow us to test out ideas, bringing together deep local knowledge and creative practices in innovative and experiential ways. By inviting people to create and take part in workshops and activities, Connecting Threads aims to grow a community around the project to support a culture of stewardship, collaboration and shared learning.
