BATIK flags created in workshops in rural communities throughout South Wiltshire are heading to a festival in Northern Japan this summer.

Alex Grant of Toozalii Community Arts in Salisbury, and his wife Jan, have been invited to take out an installation that was seen in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral to an international arts festival in Hokkaido in August.

“Non government organisations in Japan have been finding ways to help rural communities since the earthquake and our names surfaced because of the work we have done with isolated communities and different groups. They asked specifically for the flags made by these groups as we are going to a very rural area and these were made in rural Wiltshire,” explains Alex.

About 60 of the flags will be shipped out, together with a large performance bird ahead of Alex and Jan flying out on July 30. Funding for flights and accommodation has been provided by the Japanese organisers but Alex will have to foot the shipping bill for the flags and still needs £300 towards this.

If anyone can help Alex you can contact him by email at alex@toozalii.

co.uk.