Discover the Soul of the Fens

Fenlandia is a visionary interdisciplinary initiative, committed to celebrating, preserving, and interpreting the rich cultural and environmental heritage of the Fenland basin in the United Kingdom’s East Anglia region.

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Welcome to Fenlandia

This initiative integrates diverse artistic platforms – including visual arts, music and heritage projects – in both conventional and unexpected locations. Unlike district-specific initiatives, Fenlandia seeks to draw upon the entire Fenland basin, representing its rich heritage and ecological significance in a holistic and all-encompassing manner.

About the Fens

OUR PURPOSE

Fenlandia is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the richly intertwined cultural and environmental heritage of the Fenland region. This broad mission encompasses oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices, traditional craftsmanship, and the visual arts. These elements, all deeply rooted in the Fenland’s distinctive landscape and ecology, are brought to life through the local language, seen as a critical carrier of this profound heritage.

THE FENS

Fenland, enveloping East Anglia, is an agriculturist’s paradise. These expansive, idyllic landscapes are embroidered with ribbons of waterways and dykes.

THE TEAM

Fenlandia is the shared vision of Professor Peter Fribbins and Stewart Howe, born out of their combined love for the arts, heritage and the unique allure of the Fens.

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THE NAME

The name Fenlandia pays homage to Jean Sibelius’s orchestral work “Finlandia.” Just as “Finlandia” became an emblem of national identity amidst Finland’s struggle for independence…

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inclusive focus

Fenlandia extends its reach beyond the natural boundaries of the Fenland basin to also include settlements along the fen edge. This expansion is designed to capture the distinctive culture and history of these areas, reflecting the shared heritage and mutual influences between the fenlands and their neighbouring communities.

ACADEMIC LEAD

Middlesex University, as the academic lead, provides intellectual and creative direction for Fenlandia. This comes principally from its faculties of Creative Arts and Industries, and Science and Technology – the latter houses its internationally important Flood Hazard Research Centre.

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THE FENLANDIA
DIFFERENCE

While individual local authorities have led cultural strategies within their respective districts, Fenlandia takes a uniquely comprehensive approach, uniting these efforts to seek to represent the full cultural and environmental richness of the entire Fenland basin. It is this broad, inclusive focus that sets Fenlandia apart from district-specific initiatives, painting a more complete picture of the Fenland basin’s heritage.

ALIGNING WITH LOCAL PRIORITIES AND PARTNER GOALS

Fenlandia is committed to contributing to the strategic priorities and goals of local authorities and partner organisations. By aligning its initiatives with these targets, Fenlandia helps further the agenda of local development, cultural enrichment, heritage preservation, and environmental conservation. Moreover, Fenlandia’s broad scope and international collaborations enhance local efforts, providing a platform to project Fenland’s unique character on the global stage.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Fenlandia caters to a broad audience spectrum. Its diverse programming aims to engage different demographics, promoting a community-wide appreciation and understanding of the Fenland region’s rich heritage and its symbiotic relationship with the local environment.

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