The Medway as Our Muse – A Community River Art Exhibition
Rivers often go unnoticed in our daily lives — their presence quiet, their gifts easily overlooked. Yet they are ever-present, flowing through our existence in ways both seen and unseen. From the water we drink and bathe in, to the nourishment they provide our soil, rivers are an essential thread; they are the living weave that brings life together.
The River Medway is no exception. A vital artery of life for centuries, she has carried goods, people, and stories along her course. Once a bustling working river, she played a pivotal role in shaping history—even witnessing the first Roman invasion of England. The Medway has seen it all, silently supporting the lives around her without demand or recognition.
This year, as part of our From Source to Sea pilgrimage, we are deepening our connection to the river, to one another, and to ourselves. Our goal is to place the river back at the heart of our communities — not just as a topic of environmental concern, but as a source of inspiration, beauty, and reverence. In a time where sacred connection to nature is often lost, we are rekindling a tradition of honouring the river through creativity and collective expression.
As part of this journey, we’re hosting a community art exhibition titled “The Medway as Our Muse.” We invite everyone — professional artists, hobbyists, and curious creators alike—to contribute artwork inspired by the river. Whether it's a painting, drawing, poem, or something else entirely, we encourage you to explore your relationship with the Medway and express what she means to you.
Let the river speak through your creativity. Let her be your muse.
Art Drop-Off Information
To allow enough time for preparation, please drop off your artwork in person on one of the following dates and locations:
Exact drop-off points will be announced closer to the date.
Exhibition Day
The exhibition will take place in Rochester on 26th July, with doors opening at 11am. Alongside the display, we’ll be hosting art workshops throughout the day — open to all. Whether you come to admire the collective creativity of our river communities or wish to take part in the artistic flow yourself, we’d love to see you there.
Come and celebrate the spirit of the Medway through art. Let’s bring her stories to the surface — together.
