In this newsletter:

Welcome to Avona!

Discover the what, why and how of Avona, and find out how you can get involved!

The WHAT

We are a Bristol-based, female-led art collective who want to capture the energy of the River Avon and animate her in the form of the Avona Goddess puppet. This puppet will raise awareness of water pollution, engage our community and become a voice of change for the river.

The WHY

Rights of Nature is one of the fastest growing legal movements in the world. For the last three years our collective has been maintaining momentum by campaigning for the rights of the River Avon. Now we want to unify our informative and creative energy into the wrathful and beautiful goddess persona, Avona.

The HOW

• In July and August 2025 we will run a series of creative workshops to create the Avona puppet and the masks for the puppeteers.

• A short film has been commissioned to document the making of Avona and her ‘birth’ out of the River Avon in late August.

• Avona will appear in a procession at Green Man festival alongside the Goddess of the Wye puppet, the River Bride and other water associates.

• On World Rivers Day (September 28th 2025), Avona will appear at the Bristol Aquarium to open an exhibition on artwork inspired by the river Avon, followed by a screening of Rave on for the Avon.

• We are hoping there will be many opportunities in the future for Avona to appear at, and that members of the collective will be willing to come forward as puppeteers to volunteer at these events.

GET INVOLVED

• The easiest way to get involved is through this newsletter and by following our socials. We’ll keep you updated on our progress and you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming events and appearances.

• Got time to donate and some creative experience? We’d love to have you join the creative process! Email [email protected] for more details

• Donating to our Crowdfunder campaign will help fund the creation of Avona, including the cost of materials and the creative workshops.

Until next time…

Don’t forget to follow our socials and share with your friends!

The Avonas🐉