WOMEN from Colchester will form pieces of living art in celebration of femininity.

On June 10, women in each UK capital will stride together in a powerful sea of green, white and violet - the Suffragette colours - in what will be a mass participation artwork.

Named Processions, this live art will take place simultaneously in London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff where participants will be choreographed to walk in stripes through the city streets, creating a living portrait of women and girls in the 21st century.

As part of the project, 100 organisations including Firstsite in Colchester, Girlguiding, the Muslim Women’s Network and Women in Prison, have been commissioned to create handmade banners for the procession in collaboration with female artists.

Stuart Tulloch, Firstsite’s head of programme, said the gallery was delighted to be taking part.

She said: “Equality is at the heart of everything Processions do, through the exhibition and film programmes it presents, and the family activities and events organised.

Gazette:

“Firstsite’s contribution will be made by Colchester artist Clare Marsh, who is working with members of the gallery’s Young Art Kommunity.

“YAK is open to all people, aged 15 to 25, and provides opportunities to get practical, hands-on experience in the arts, designing and delivering parts of Firstsite’s programme and taking part in exciting projects like this one.”

The banner made by Clare and the other girls will be taken with them to London in June as Processions celebrates 100 years since the first British women won the right to vote.

The empowering project is being produced by Artichoke and commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary.

Registration to take part in this free event is open now at processions.co.uk, where you can download the banner making toolkit to create your own at home.

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