Commissions

Kieren Reed

Raising the Sittingbourne Barn

2018 – 2019

Kieren Reed, Raising The Sittingbourne Barn, Exhibition, 2018. Photo courtesy of Ideas Test

Kieren Reed, Raising The Sittingbourne Barn, Exhibition, 2018. Photo courtesy of Ideas Test

Kieren Reed, Raising the Sittingbourne Barn , 2018. Image courtesy of Ideas Test

Kieren Reed, Raising the Sittingbourne Barn, 2018. Image courtesy of Ideas Test

Kieren Reed, Raising The Sittingbourne Barn, Exhibition, 2018

Kieren Reed, Raising The Sittingbourne Barn,, 2018. Photo courtesy of Ideas Test

Raising the Sittingbourne Barn is a long-term project by artist Kieren Reed exploring grassroots methods of designing and making new buildings, with the aim of creating a functional artwork and a new permanent ‘barn’ in Milton Creek Country Park owned and run by local residents. 

Devised through conversation and collaborative design activities with Sittingbourne residents, the project is drawn from longer-term research into barn-raisings.

A barn-raising is a traditional way for people to come together to make a wooden structure that wouldn’t be possible for one family to build. It relies on neighbours working together to build quickly, on a scale that is only possible with teamwork. The practice also helps forge ties between members of the community, many of whom may not normally interact in day-to-day life.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, participants came together to be trained in self-build techniques, use of tools, carpentry and construction processes, and to exploring potential designs and future uses for the Sittingbourne Barn.

Raising the Sittingbourne Barn is managed by Cement Fields and Ideas Test, working in partnership with Milton Creek Country Park and Swale Borough Council.