Fitz Fest: Making Nature

Saturday 9 August, 12pm – 4pm

The natural world has always been an inspiration to artists – join us for a lively afternoon of art, music, conversation and creativity, all inspired by nature.

Check out the artworks on display in our galleries, get hands-on in a workshop, spark ideas in a talk, or simply relax to live music with good food and great company. Read more about what's in store below.

This event is programmed by young producers from Happy Place.

Collage Workshop: Jade Pollard-Crowe

12 – 4pm, Founders Entrance Landing

Get hands-on in our collage-making workshop and re-imagine the oceans and green spaces of our future, led by art-activist and performer Jade Pollard-Crowe. Through their art, Pollard-Crowe examines the representation of Black bodies in popular culture and media, critiquing them through a queer lens.

Discussion: Nature Connected

2 – 3pm, Gallery 5

Join urban ecologist Akash Barua (Wild Ends) and urban birdwatcher Lira Valencia (Outside With Lira) as they explore how nature shows up in unexpected places - from hidden wildlife in city streets to the healing power of everyday encounters with birds and green spaces. This informal discussion will look at how both Akash and Lira discovered nature on their own terms, and why they use platforms like Instagram to invite others into the wild corners of city life.

Workshop: Plant a Message, Grow a Memory

12 – 4pm, Front Lawn

Join the Project Abundance team and learn how to turn recycled paper into plantable seed paper – in this hands-on workshop, you’ll create unique paper artworks that’ll sprout into wildflowers, herbs or veggies when planted in soil. Take them home with you to start your very own plant-growing journey.

Workshop: Garden Drawing

12 – 4pm, Front Lawn

Slow down, take a breath and pick up a pencil. Join local artist Hilary Moreton for a relaxed outdoor drawing session inspired by the plants and natural forms from our collection. Whether you're a seasoned sketcher or a total beginner, this is a chance to spend time outdoors connecting with the natural world through drawing.

Music: DJ Soroosh

12 – 3.45pm, Founders Entrance Steps

Expect joyful global grooves, community spirit, and an uplifting blend of Afrobeat, disco, and bossa nova with DJ Soroosh, the vibrant force behind Cambridge Dance. Enjoy the sunny vibes and world-infused beats around the Founders Entrance Steps.

Display: Future Towns

12 – 4pm, Front Lawn

Alongside young people from Soham, Studio Futurall and artist Christie Swallow have created a vision for our future cities as landscapes and environments shift. Explore the banners from Future Towns on the Front Lawn and imagine what might be different in a society of the future.