The story of the Travelling Tea Bag

The end of January marked one year since Transported’s Project Assistant, Iain, travelled to Shetland to experience Up Helly Aa, one of Scotland’s most distinctive community festivals.

What began as a personal trip became something more: a reflection on how Transported’s ethos doesn’t stay in one place, but travels with the people who take part in our work.

Up Helly Aa is held annually across Shetland between January and March, marking the end of the Yule season. Each event is shaped by its community, culminating in a torchlit procession and the burning of a Viking galley. The festival is years in the making, with local participants designing costumes, building the galley, visiting schools and raising funds. It is, at its heart, a celebration of place, identity and collective effort – values that feel deeply familiar to us at Transported.

Iain didn’t travel alone. Traveling along with his partner Sam, he packed something small but meaningful: a Transported-branded tea bag.

If you attended our Illuminate parade in 2023, the Pilgrims to Presidents lecture, or creative workshops at Fydell House and the Stump, you may have come across them. The tea bags were created to mark the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, acknowledging Boston, Lincolnshire’s role in a story that would go on to shape the United States. Simple, familiar and very British, they were also a reflection of who we are as a team; a group that values conversation, reflection and, quite often, a good cup of tea.

That small object took on a life of its own. Compact enough to travel, it became what we affectionately called the Transported Travelling Tea Bag — or simply, TT.

A travelling symbol of community

After Shetland, TT went on to explore more of Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, Harris and Lewis. Along the way, it appeared at community gatherings, historic landmarks, ferry crossings and moments of public art in action, including a mural painted by local secondary school pupils beside the RNLI station in Portree.

What mattered wasn’t the mileage covered, but what the tea bag represented. It became a conversation starter; an everyday object that invited questions, stories and connections. In many ways, it echoed the role of Transported projects themselves: familiar, accessible, and rooted in shared experience.

Up Helly Aa made this especially visible. Watching the Jarl Squad lead the procession, supported by dozens of community groups, followed by music, food and performance through the night, it wasn’t hard to draw parallels with the work we do. The dedication, collaboration and pride in place felt strikingly aligned with Transported’s approach.

Seeing the world differently

When we asked Iain to reflect on his experiences, he spoke about how working with Transported has reshaped how he moves through the world.

“My personal life has changed greatly since Transported has become part of my life.  The rich variety of the work I do, the variety of artists and what they bring with them, have opened my eyes to more of what is around me in any given place.  And so, I try and find that variety.  For instance, I look for carved faces on buildings and try to see the subtle tool marks that were made centuries ago by some unknown carver.

It’s a whole new world.  I wouldn’t have tried anything artistic, believing that I would never be able to achieve anything creative.  I wouldn’t have visited galleries and enjoyed my time there as I do now.  Going to see local performances from drama groups would not have been on my list pre-Transported.  I wouldn’t have joined a male voice choir for a project.  I didn’t work for Transported at that point, but having taken the steps into being a participant on projects, I recognised that joining this singing project in Cambridgeshire was part of this creative journey I was now becoming part of, and that I should give it a go!

And now at home I have a variety of creative projects, each waiting for a piece of my time! There’s a piece of stone with a design on it. I’ve removed some background, and it’s just waiting for me to pick up my chisels. In another space, a piece of wood is in a similar state. In one space in the house is some sketching that needs to spend some time with me. I’ve paused typing…while I spin a plate! I should at some stage, take the unicycle out of the shed and actually learn to travel on it!  So yes, this wonderful world of art, creativity, and culture has found me, and that is entirely due to Transported.”

Would you say that working for Transported has changed your perspectives on the world around us and places?

“Working for Transported has changed so much for me.  Travelling to different places, I now actively look for, or notice pieces of art in a public setting.  If the opportunity allows, I will now read the information attached to see if there was community involvement in the project.  

One example of the was the recent visit to the Isle of Skye where there is a bronze installation below The Cuillin, and the two mountaineers forever linked to the mountain range.  There are some panels of artwork from local primary school children supporting the bronze figures.  Very much something in line with what we do.  Another example from Shetland being Up-Helly-Aa, the community Viking themed celebration, involving a torch procession and the burning of a Viking Galley.  Once again, very much in keeping with events Transported has been involved with – the community involvement, the work behind the scenes, the running of the event itself on the night.  It wasn’t such a leap in the imagination to see us, the Transported Team at work.      

Walking around historic houses, which we have always enjoyed doing, I now find myself pausing at the fine art on the walls and actually looking at them.  Prior to working in the world of art, I probably would not have prior to working on the Art Road Trip project.”  

Was bringing the tea bag along a way of bringing the ethos of Transported with you on your travels?

“Very much so. I found it in the car on the way to the ferry to Shetland on that first adventure, having been spare one following Illuminate.  As we use the friendly term ‘Team Transported’ amongst ourselves, it occurred to me that I was holding a Transported T-bag, TT,  and that I was part of Team Transported, TT.  And the idea formed that I would include Transported on the journey to The Northern Isles. By having the TT with me, it did bridge the geographical miles between us. 

I love talking to people, and the T-bag added to that community engagement that is so much a part of Transported. The t-bag is an everyday item, everybody recognises t-bags, and my t-bag being ‘dressed’ in Transported colours, it was a vehicle that allowed for some story telling when making contact with people.  And sharing its journey with my friends in Transported was/is a wonderful way of having connectivity with those I value. 

On reflection the T-bag is like the teaspoon I carried in my pen pocket of my trousers while in the Police, the story of which was turned into a book nook by Laura Mabbutt for the Spalding Stories project.  Being a ‘Bobby on the Beat’ it was noticed by those I came into contact with that I had a teaspoon where a pen would be…and people had to ask me why. The spoon broke down some barriers and allowed me to interact with people in ways that were wonderfully unexpected, and fun.”

Carrying identity with us

Back at Transported, these reflections sparked conversations of our own. Around Christmas, Iain shared another piece of heritage with the team: shortbread made using a biscuit mould passed down through his family, featuring a thistle design. The recipe, too, had travelled through generations. It was a simple, tangible reminder of how identity, memory and place are carried forward — and shared.

In many ways, this is what we mean by being Transported.

As we move towards our next chapter, including the launch of our Mind the Gap programme in 2026 and the lead-up to Boston 2030, these ideas feel increasingly important. Boston’s story has always been shaped by movement. By migration, exchange and radical ideas travelling across oceans. We’re interested in how people carry their sense of place with them, and how those stories continue to evolve.

The Pilgrims who once left Boston for a new land would have done the same: bringing memories, customs and identity with them as they boarded ships into the unknown. Today, the objects may be smaller, the journeys different, but the impulse remains.

  1. A teabag
  2. A conversation
  3. A moment of pause

Brew an idea. Sit down. Reflect.
That’s the spirit we hope people carry with them. Wherever they go.Feel free to share your stories and reflections with us!Email us on transported@lincoln.ac.uk

Looking back as we look ahead


In April 2026, Transported is beginning a 3-year programme and plan called ‘Mind the Gap’.

An important part of this is working towards the Boston 400 celebrations in 2030. These celebrations are an opportunity for the whole arts and cultural sector, including our partner groups in Boston and South Holland to play a part, when Boston will be in the spotlight nationally and internationally.

Added to this, the 4th July weekend in 2026 is the 250th year anniversary since American independence. Transported is marking this moment with events in Boston, some of which will explore what the Boston 2030 celebrations might look like.

To do this, we are asking you to get in touch with us with your ideas.

What does Boston mean to you? What kinds of events and cultural activities do you want to see happen in the town?

You can let us know by emailing us and we’re planning  to have a chat with the public passing by when we’re in the town hosting activities. 

But for now, we’re reflecting on the past projects that we have delivered in Boston then have been inspired by the area’s heritage and it amalgamates to quite a vast selection. We’ve gathered them all here for you for to revisit or discover for the first time. 

Boston has a rich and long history, from Anglo-Saxon traditions, to a prominent medieval town only eclipsed in importance by London, to famous American connections.

Its unique heritage has been an influence or inspiration for the projects below.

Horizon at Scotia Creek

Horizon is a walkable structure, commemorating Boston, Lincolnshire’s connection to the history of the Pilgrims and their story’s global impact.

Radical Routes

An online publication that brings together culture, art, and heritage by highlighting projects across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.

Etched in Time

Etched in Time is a trail of eight permanent brass plaque artworks which celebrate Boston’s heritage and respond to the themes of Travel, Trade and Influence.

The Illuminate Parade

Every winter, we deliver the Illuminate parade, a lantern and illuminated artwork parade inspired by an element of Boston’s heritage. Early parade themes linked to Boston’s Pilgrim roots, 2025 was inspired by wooden carvings within St Botolph’s Church.

1000 Faces

Included in the creation of a welcoming and vibrant public plaza space as part of the redevelopment of the Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre and wider Rowley Road area is 1000 Faces—a community-led art project that invites local people to leave their mark on the town, one portrait at a time.

Pilgrim Woman: Boston

Pilgrim Woman is a series of bronze sculptures by artist Rachel Carter commemorating the journeys of Separatist women. One of the sculptures has been installed in Boston and is inspired by the true stories of families arrested and held in Boston jail in the early 17th century. 

Boston Buoys

A series of six stunning art installations re-purposing vintage navigational marine buoys.

The artworks, which were installed in 2021, celebrate Boston’s rich heritage and maritime connections, capturing our fascination with exploration across the world..

Dolphin Lane Heritage Mosaic

 A large, and inspiring, themed mosaic in Dolphin Lane, in Boston, created with the community. teaching participants making skills and making more people aware of Boston’s rich and unique history, engaging and connecting to long standing residents, more recent European nationals as well as visitors.

On Friday 28 November, Transported and the people of Boston filled the town centre with colour and creativity as the annual Illuminate Parade wound through the streets ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on, forming a key part of Boston Borough Council’s Christmas Festival Weekend.

Illuminate is our Boston annual heritage-inspired winter parade, each year shining a spotlight on a different aspect of the town’s history. Previous themes have explored Boston’s Pilgrim roots and its transatlantic links to the founding of Boston, Massachusetts, offering a vibrant acknowledgment of the area’s international connections.

This year’s Illuminate 2025 continued that tradition with a new theme: Fantastic Beasts of Boston. Inspired by the remarkable medieval carvings—known as misericords—inside St Botolph’s Church, the designs for the lanterns began with community sketching workshops held in the church itself. These drawings informed lantern-making sessions led by Lincolnshire artist Ruth Pigott (Curiosity Creators), bringing together residents, schools, and community groups to create the illuminated artworks featured in the parade.

Our regular collaborators and participants may have realised that another of our projects, 1000 Faces, is also inspired by the carvings in the Stump’s choirstalls, but in this project it is the thumb-sized portraits of medieval Bostonians that we are reimagining. 

Among the standout creations was a striking griffin lantern, crafted with students from Giles Academy in workshops led by artists Lou Jones, Emily Cartwright, and Nadya Monfrinoli. Based on participants’ studies of the misericords, the hybrid creature—part lion, part eagle—captured the mythical spirit at the heart of this year’s theme.

Despite a sudden heavy rain shower earlier in the day, threatening us with a very soggy lion, it soon brightened up and the evening brought a wonderful celebratory atmosphere. We were so impressed by the attendance, the streets were lined with spectators and we had an overwhelmingly positive response online – thank you so much everyone!

Local residents and participants to our workshops shared their enthusiasm and said:

“Thank you so much for giving me and others the opportunity to help make, create and participate in such an amazing event. I’m sure it was bigger and better than last year’s.”“My first time at the parade. I’ve only lived in Boston a short time and feel so welcomed. Wonderful place.”

Parade Order

  1. Lion – Large Lantern – Boston College
  2. Dragons – Josie Clarke Dance Academy
  3. Wings – Performer: Asher Williams
  4. Samba Band – Chris Lewis Jones
  5. Stags and Hunter – Community Dance Group (Costume & creation by Ruth Pigott / Beth Williams)
  6. Wolves – High School Dance Group – Boston High School & NACRO
  7. Large Stag Lantern – Crafty Coffee Club
  8. Swan Lanterns – Crafty Coffee Club & Eastern European Friends
  9. Community Lanterns – Eagles, angels, hares, birds and castles
  10. Misericord Faces – Box Lanterns – Boston High School
  11. Boston West – Dragons
  12. Wyberton – People
  13. St Thomas – Wolves
  14. Boston Pioneers – Bears
  15. Hawthorn Tree – Owls
  16. Fat Cat Brass – Band
  17. Fox and Chicken – Stilt Walker: Lauren Williams
  18. The White Queen – Stilt Walker: Laura Hudson
  19. Little Lanterns – CentrePoint Outreach
  20. Big Fish / Little Fish – Scott House
  21. Gargoyles – Endeavour School
  22. Griffin – Large Lantern – Giles Academy
  23. Donna’s Carnival Crew – Donna Fox Associates / Montserrat Masqueraders

Our assistant director, Dr Anna Scott, said:

“It was great to see so many smiling faces taking part in Transported’s parade on Friday, which featured some fantastic beasts of Boston as part of our theme. This year marked Transported’s 10th anniversary of Illuminate, which began in 2015 to launch the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

Our parade now showcases creative interpretations of Boston’s heritage stories—this year exploring the intriguing misericord carvings hidden in the Stump.

Thanks to our talented team of artists and performers, we reached over 400 people across more than 30 workshops leading up to the event, and we were delighted to see so many join us to parade with their creations—rain-free in the end!”

This year’s Illuminate Parade was made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England via Transported and Story Tellers Lincs, the South & East Lincolnshire Council Partnership’s NPO. The event was delivered by Transported with our team of associate artists.

This November, Transported invites local residents from Central and Eastern Europe to take part in a special lantern-making and storytelling session at Pescod Hall, Boston.

Led by artist Ruth Pigott and joined by the Crafty Coffee Club, as well as artists Dovile Sakalauskaite (Lithuania) and Madara Vimba (Latvia), the evening will combine hands-on creativity with an opportunity to share traditions, memories, and stories connected to the changing seasons across Europe.

The workshop will form part of Boston’s Illuminate celebrations, with participants helping to create beautiful swan lanterns to carry in the town’s winter parade later in November.

Event Details

This session is a chance to connect, talk, and celebrate the many Central and Eastern European communities who call Boston home. As participants build their lanterns, conversations will explore seasonal traditions and crafts from across Europe:

These seasonal crafts and celebrations illustrate how communities use creativity to mark the passage of time, celebrate light, and connect with one another, and the workshop invites participants to share their own stories and traditions, helping to bring these rich cultural practices to life in Boston.

The session also aims to shape future arts and crafts opportunities in the town. The Crafty Coffee Club, who regularly host creative activities for local residents, will work with Dovile and Madara to develop new cross-cultural projects, inviting people of all ages to contribute their stories and inspire a new programme for 2026.

All ages and abilities are welcome, and no previous experience is needed.

We’re thrilled to share that Transported has been awarded £1 million from Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places (CPP) programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

This new funding will support our work across Boston and South Holland in Lincolnshire from 2026 to 2029, helping us continue to make creativity accessible to everyone in our communities.

This marks the start of our next phase, called ‘Mind the Gap’ — a programme designed to build on more than a decade of work bringing the arts into everyday life. Over the past twelve years, we’ve seen first-hand how creative activity can make people happier, healthier, and more connected. 

But there’s still more to do. 

Mind the Gap focuses on closing the gaps in access to arts and culture across our rurally distinctive area, reaching people and places who haven’t yet had the chance to take part.

Our approach will centre on four key themes:

Connect – listening to residents and learning about their cultural ambitions

Care – using creativity to support wellbeing and self-expression

Celebrate – hosting festivals and events that strengthen belonging and identity

Curate – creating spaces that inspire civic pride and sense of place

As our Director, explains:

“Transported has opened up new opportunities for more people to engage with the arts, but there’s still more to do. Our new funding phase, ‘Mind the Gap’, is about consolidating our work across festivals, outdoor events, and all areas of our activity to reach those we haven’t yet connected with. We want to create high-quality, place-based arts experiences that truly resonate with our communities, and we’re delighted to have the support of Arts Council England to help realise the ambitions of Boston and South Holland residents and community groups over the next three years.”

Nick Jones

The funding allows us to reach some of the most vulnerable and isolated in our communities and give them chance to tell their story and express themselves through stained glass, print, drawing, creative writing and a host of other art forms.

To mark this exciting new chapter, we’ve created a short film with Electric Egg – Transported: 10 Years of Arts Engagement. The film looks back at the impact of our work so far, celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and community pride that have shaped Transported since we began.

From projects like the Boston School of Mosaic and ARTeFACT to festivals and outdoor events, the film captures how art has helped strengthen local identity and wellbeing across Lincolnshire. As one participant reflects, “It feels worthwhile because it’s for the community.”

Transported operates within the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, embedding the University directly within local communities. This partnership allows us to combine academic expertise with grassroots engagement, aligning our work with the University’s mission to transform lives and enrich communities.

Professor Dominic Symonds, Director of Research for the College of Arts and Chair of Transported’s Management Board, says:

“The University is proud of Transported’s successful bid for this next phase of Creative People and Places funding. Transported was the only programme to receive an uplift from previous funding phases, a testament to the team’s dedication, expertise, and impact. Through initiatives like ‘Mind the Gap’, the University is able to place creativity at the heart of communities, transforming lives and fostering cultural participation across Lincolnshire.”

We’re proud of how far we’ve come — and we’re ready to keep moving forward. With the support of Arts Council England, National Lottery players, and our many local partners, we’ll continue to make Boston and South Holland places where creativity thrives and everyone can take part.

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England said:

“Creative People and Places projects bring organisations and communities together to shape the creative and cultural activities available in their local area. Funded by the National Lottery, we are investing more than £9.2 million in the Midlands, to ensure more people can experience, connect and take part in creativity on their doorsteps.

“Transported’s new phase ‘Mind the Gap’ brings rural and coastal communities together for a range of high quality creative and cultural experiences that are accessible, relevant, raise aspirations, and help the area to thrive through a collaborative approach to culture.” 

Everyone should have the chance to experience creativity and culture that reflects their own stories and surroundings and we’re looking forward to working with you to make this happen.

September is well and truly over, and we hope everyone—students, teachers, and relieved parents—are settling back into the new school year.
 
For us at Transported, this time of year can only mean one thing… Illuminate 2025 is just around the corner!

 Save the date: Friday 28th November 2025
Our annual illuminated parade will once again light up the streets of Boston, with dazzling costumes, glowing lanterns, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Behind the scenes, we’re busy making plans for another magical evening—and we’d love you to be part of it.

 Dancers Wanted!
We’re seeking enthusiastic dancers (ages 11+) to join the parade. No experience is needed—just plenty of energy and excitement! You’ll be guided by our brilliant choreographer, Beth Williams, who will teach you simple moves in the weeks leading up to the event. Rehearsals are expected to take place on Tuesday evenings and/or Sunda

As part of the experience, dancers will get to wear and carry beautiful bespoke costumes and props created by Curiosity Creators. Places are limited, so don’t miss out!

 Register your interest here:
Join Illuminate 2025 as a dancer

We can’t wait to celebrate with the community and bring the magic of Illuminate to life once again. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Transported, in collaboration with SHDC, Lincolnshire County Council, Heritage Lincolnshire, and East Mercia River Trust, is thrilled to extend an invitation to seasoned willow artists to contribute their craft to the Spalding River Walk Willow Commission.

This initiative, a pivotal part of Spalding’s broader town regeneration program funded by Heritage Lottery, seeks to weave together the town’s rich history, cultural significance, and a vision for a vibrant future.

The Vision: Picture growing willow artworks gracing the Spalding riverside, echoing the town’s eel and fishing heritage. The commission is a testament to Transported’s commitment to engaging the community in arts and cultural activities, creating opportunities for participation and skill development.

Project Overview: Since 2013, Transported has been at the forefront of public art initiatives, commissioning permanent and temporary artworks across Boston Borough & South Holland. The Spalding River Walk Willow Commission is a natural progression, aligning with our focus on heritage, local character, skill-building, and environmental enhancement.

Artist Requirements: We are seeking an experienced artist with a proven track record in crafting high-quality and robust structures using “green” willow. The selected artist will not only create visually stunning pieces but will also play a crucial role in inspiring and empowering the community through practical workshops. From taster sessions to in-depth skill development, the goal is to kindle a passion for the arts within the Spalding community.

Timeline: Recognizing the importance of the seasonal aspect, the selected artist will be tasked with completing the artwork by March 2024. This offers a unique opportunity to witness the growth and transformation of the willow artworks over time.

Budget and Support: The overall budget includes artist fees for approximately 10 days of engagement, design, fabrication, installation, materials, and travel. Transported will provide project management, marketing, administration, and project assistants for workshops and public sessions. This allows the artist to focus on their craft and the community.

How to Apply: If you are an experienced willow artist passionate about community engagement, submit your application to nickjones@lincoln.ac.uk by 15th January, 2024. Include a short statement outlining your suitability, a portfolio of at least 10 images showcasing your work, and evidence of public liability insurance.

Explore the Full Brief: For a comprehensive understanding of the project, please refer to the Spalding Riverwalk Willow Weaving Artist Brief.

Join us in Crafting a Tapestry of Growth: This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the cultural fabric of Spalding. Together, let’s craft artworks that not only stand as testaments to our heritage but also grow with the promise of a vibrant future.