Come As You Really Are started with a simple question and nationwide call-out — inviting people to share creative hobbies that bring them joy in their spare time. As part of our Winter Festival, join a special screening of Hetain Patel’s brand-new film, created in response to the stories shared from across the UK. The day includes live performances, talks, workshops and more in celebration of the nation’s hobbies. Hetain Patel joins in person, alongside hobbyists from across Cornwall and Devon. See below for details of the programme.
This festival is for all ages with discounted entry of £1 at Tate St Ives.
FILM AND DISPLAY: COME AS YOU REALLY ARE BY HETAIN PATEL
Foyle studio and Foyle Display Case, Level 3
10.00–13.00 and 15.00–16.20
Come As You Really Are celebrates creativity in everyday life, from crafting and collecting to wild swimming and cosplay. This UK-wide project, commissioned by Artangel, observes the nation’s hobbies. At its heart is a film blending high-end cinematic production with everyday scenes showing the joy and dedication found in pastimes often enjoyed quietly at home or with friends. The project highlights how hobbies offer comfort, connection and creative expression. Also on display is a small case of objects featured in the film alongside those by other hobbyists from Cornwall, Devon and across the UK, as well as examples from Hetain Patel’s own collections.
TALK: INTRODUCTION TO COME AS YOU REALLY ARE
BSL Interpreted
Foyle Studio, Level 3
13.30–14.30
Artist Hetain Patel introduces this project, joined by maker Gareth Jones and cosplayer Natalie Margett, AKA Queenie.
WORKSHOP: TRANSFORM A FORD ESCORT CAR WITH HETAIN PATEL
Gallery 2, Level 3
Throughout the festival, with Hetain joining 10.00–11.00 and 15.00–16.00
Join award-winning artist Hetain Patel and the Tate team, for a hands-on workshop creating your own miniature personalised Ford Escort car. Starting with a paper template that Hetain has designed, create a mini car and decorate it in any way your imagination takes you. Hetain has transformed two full size Ford cars, one into a larger-than-life Transformer, and another, he completely covered in his grandmother’s rug pattern that he hand-tufted. How will you transform your car?
TALK: THE THRILL OF SEA SWIMMING
BSL Interpreted
Gallery 8, Level 2
11.30–12.00
Artist Hetain Patel meets cold water swimmer Sarah Walsh to hear about her love of sea swimming throughout the year. Sarah is a member of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers and other cold water swim groups, open water swim coach, World Guinness Record Holder, and a Winter Swimming World Champion participant
TALK: HELLO ROLLER DERBY!
BSL Interpreted
Time: 14.45-15.00
Location: Gallery 8, Level 2
Skater Graham Nye from Cornwall Roller Derby and member of the Kings of Block ‘n’ Roll team shares his passion for roller derby, which has become an international phenomenon since its reinvention in the early 2000s. The sport is managed by the players, has a very DIY approach and a reputation for being inclusive whilst remaining competitive and challenging.
KNIT AND STITCH CIRCLE WITH HOBBY CRAFTERS
Gallery 8, Level 2, access via Gallery 7 on Level 3
Have a go at textile crafts with local hobbyists or bring your own knit and crochet projects along.
10.30–11.30 Stitch and Knit with Jo Macintosh from St Ives in Stitches
12.00–13.00 Keepsake Making, Keychains with Tate Collective Producer Galataya
13.30-14.30 Crochet with Sharron Goldingay from the Crochet and Craft Group at The Edward Hain Centre
15.00–16.00 Queenie’s Rosettes with cosplayer Natalie Margett
YOUR SPACE: HOSTING PAPER BASED ACTIVITIES
Gallery 9, Level 2, access via Gallery 7 on Level 3
Drop in to Your Space and join local hobbyists in the creative acts they love, some activities will be available throughout the day.
13.00–14.00 Illustrate a Character with Tate Collective Producer Neve
14.30–15.30 Origami Pocket Art with Tate Collective Producer Grace
MINDFUL MAKING: ORIGAMI
Location: Gallery 10, Level 3
Pause in Gallery 10 to fold origami animals and bracelets. Hobbyist Young One Cheung will be giving demonstrations between 11.00 and 12.00.
MUSIC: YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM CORNWALL MUSIC SERVICE TRUST
Gallery 4, Level 3
12.00–12.30
Hear from a selection of young musicians and vocalists from Cornwall Music Service Trust, who believe everyone should enjoy music making and participation.
SONG: LEVOW AN BYS (VOICES OF THE WORLD)
Gallery 7, please view from Gallery 8, Level 2
13.00 and 14.00
Levow an Bys (meaning ‘Voices of the World’ in Cornish) is a community choir based in West Cornwall. Led by musical director Pip Wright they sing in different languages, connecting with other cultures and traditions through song.
TALK: 10 MINUTE TALKS
Around the galleries, Level 3 see in house for further details on the day.
BSL Interpreted at 11:00 and 15:30
10.00–16.00, popping up throughout the festival
Tate staff share their hobbies and personal responses to favourite artworks in the Tate Collection.
FAMILIES: RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE FAMILIES WELCOME DESK
Location: Rotunda
10:00–16:00, throughout the festival
Explore Tate St Ives through your own creativity and find different sensory activities inspired by our exhibitions across the galleries. Draw and explore with a free Sketchbook or Art Explorer Card and use Tate Shapes to guide your visit.
Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel
Commissioned and Produced by Artangel.
In partnership with Tate St Ives, Cornwall; Factory International, Manchester; Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea; Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool; Museum of Making, Derby Museums Trust; National Festival of Making with Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery; Wolverhampton Art Gallery; Barnsley Civic; Inverness Museum and Art Gallery; Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland; CCA Derry~Londonderry; and Hospitalfield Arbroath.
Supported by Artangel’s Guardian Angels.
With thanks to Creative Lives
BSL interpretation, hearing support and large print available.
Tate St Ives is located on Porthmeor Beach. There is a ramp up to the gallery entrance alongside stairs with a handrail.
There are lifts to all Levels of the gallery, or alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Accessible and standard toilets are on Level 3, next to Gallery 6.
- A Changing Places toilet is on Level 3, next to Gallery 1.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the information desk.
To help plan your visit to Tate St Ives, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information of what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email visiting.stives@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)173 679 6226
