The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail has been awarded funding for a series of new artworks to be installed throughout 2016, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Gloucestershire-based trail.
Four artists have been shortlisted to put forward proposals for the first new commission, due to be installed in the summer of 2016. They are: Jonathan Baldock, Anne Bevan, Henry Castle and Semiconductor (artist duo Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt).
In addition, details of plans for more temporary and permanent commissions will be announced later this year.
The newly funded programme, enabled with investment from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, will continue the trust’s remit to commission ambitious artworks directly inspired by the heritage and natural environment of the Forest of Dean.
Past commissions include works by David Nash, Cornelia Parker, Annie Cattrell, Neville Gabie and David Cotterell. The trail is managed by The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust which works in close partnership with Forestry Commission England.
Unique landscape
Speaking about the new programme, Hayley Skipper, curator of arts development for Forestry Commission England and selection panel member, said: “This is a timely programme of high quality new sculpture, created in response to the unique landscape of the Forest of Dean. It builds on the success of the much loved and exceptional collection of works on the trail.
“The selected artists will have a special opportunity to create surprising new interventions in the forest for hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy for years to come.”
