We are looking for an artist, artists or a collaboration, to create one or two permanent interactive art-based trails, one or both briefs can be chosen. One to be based at Danby Lodge National Park Centre and one to be based at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
Using arts and nature as a prominent theme we would like to develop both visitor centres by offering accessible activities which will attract a wider and larger visitor audience, therefore supporting more people to be healthy and active. The Art Trails would be a permanent feature at Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank National Park Centres and would add to the existing offer. They should be sympathetic to and inspired by the landscapes surrounding the visitor centres, bringing the arts outdoors and raising individuals understanding of nature.
The trails will take art out of a formal setting and engage people of all ages and interests, particularly those who may not naturally engage and participate in the arts. It ultimately will break down barriers to arts and heritage engagement by bringing art to an outdoor environment which is unique and relaxed. The proposed trails have the opportunity to be self-led and be part of an innovative events programme and tool for educational and community engagement, thus, creating opportunities for all to experience nature and landscape whilst in the landscape.
Trail 1 – Sutton Bank
'Words in the Landscape' Art Trail
By placing words and poetry within nature they can become more meaningful and evocative then when on the page. We are looking for a creative to produce an Arts Trail using the written word as an emotional response to connection and observation to nature, rivers, landscape and the environment and with art to create a ‘Words in the Landscape Trail’. The trails would be cohesive and well themed and encompass some or all of the following element’s, sculptures, objects, word panels, interactive and sensory. We are looking for a concept, design, creation and installation of elements suitable for an outdoor setting, with thought to future maintenance, in keeping with the location and using sustainable sourced materials. The trail would have a number of Reflective Areas for people who require a quiet, ‘tucked away’, tranquil space and to help connect and reconnect people with nature.
Elements of the trail or an activity around the trail will be developed in partnership with the community by engaging schools or community groups. The self-led art trails will be versatile and interchangeable in use, from the self-led option to bookable activities and events around storytelling and the written word activities.
Trail 2 - Danby Lodge
'Journeys' Art Trail
With the vast accessible landscape of the North York Moors we are looking for a creative to explore and respond to the word ‘journey’ through art linking physical journeys and personal journeys, inspiration material might come from travel, maps, personal experiences, self-discover, a rivers journey, bird and fish migration. The Journeys Trail can include an outdoor sculptural compass plus a mix of element’s which could include sculpture, objects, interactive and sensory pieces using natural and sustainable sourced materials. Tranquil areas along the trails for mindfulness, connection and observation with nature and creative thinking can be included, these reflective areas will encourage mindfulness and a place to breath.
Elements of the trail or an activity around the trail will be developed in partnership with the community by engaging schools or community groups. The self-led art trails will be versatile and interchangeable in use, from the self-led option to bookable activities and events.
Considerations
The deadline is 8 March for all applicants considering this project. Work would commence from 25 March 2024 and be completed by 1 October 2024.
If you are considering this project, think about interactive elements that appeal to varying age ranges, including adults and families, plus the environmental impact of the materials you chose to use.
Learn more and submit your application here.