Five local artists who study the island’s heritage through seaweed have received grant funding from Société Jersiaise in the 100th year of its Barreau Art Scholarship.
A special grant of £5,000 was made to the creatives from the Vraiqu’sie Project, which is produced by not-for-profit local artist collaboration The Moving Arts Collective.
Dating back to 1924, the Barreau Art Scholarship was formed following the premature death of local artist Arthur Hamptonne Barreau.
In his memory, his aunt Emmeline Barreau provided the funds to establish a gallery – the Barreau Le Maistre gallery at Jersey Museum – and art fund for Jersey creatives.
This year, the grant will go towards producing a collaborative film and diverse artistic practice exhibition that presents the Vraiqu’sie Project’s research about the role of Jersey seaweed in the island’s history.
The film will follow the vraicing paths to Seymour Tower, with each artist having contributed their unique element, such as sculpture, songs, and costume.
Keren Le Roy Harris from The Moving Arts Collective said receiving the Barreau Art Scholarship is “a significant opportunity” for the organisation.
“This support allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the Vraiqu’sie Project, expanding our research and creative exploration in ways that would not have been possible individually,” he said.
“The scholarship reinforces the collaborative nature of our work, mirroring the communal practice of vraicing itself, rooted in shared effort, tradition, and connection.”
Keren added that Vraiqu’sie Project members are “deeply grateful” for the chance to “develop our ideas together, pushing the boundaries of our artistic practices while strengthening our collective voice”.
He concluded: “We are excited about the journey ahead and the potential impact of our project, made possible through this generous support.”
As part of the centennial celebrations, the Société Jersiaise has also commissioned Sara Job to research the history and succeeding careers of the Barreau Art Scholarship’s 139 past awardees.
Her findings will culminate in a dedicated exhibition at the Berni Gallery at the Jersey Arts Centre next month.
Sara said: “I have been moved by the stories shared with the research project.
“Stories that reveal great dedication to art but also great humanity and heartfelt gratitude to the Barreau Art Scholarship for the recognition and support it has given.
“We are excited by the response to our forthcoming exhibition and the opportunity it offers to reconnect with the Barreau Scholars, celebrating their work in all its diverse glory.”
The Barreau Art Scholarship Centenary Exhibition opens on 7 April and runs until 4 May. A preview evening will take place on Tuesday 8 April from 17:30 – 19:00 in the Berni Gallery.