Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail
Artist Meg Amsden

Applications are now open for artists from across the country to apply to take part in a Norfolk-based sculpture trail.

The Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail annually attracts thousands of visitors to the region to see the work of artists from around the UK.

Organised by Waveney & Blyth Arts, the event takes place at The Raveningham Centre, ten miles south of Norwich, on a three-acre site of hidden groves, orchards, kitchen gardens and walkways.



Each year the organisation hosts a programme of events that highlights the unique character of the Waveney and Blyth valleys situated in north Suffolk and south Norfolk.

In 2019 the sculpture trail will take place over five weeks, from 2nd August to 8th September and organisers are looking for artists and makers to weave ideas, inspiration, artwork, sculpture, stories, magic and more into the meadows, woodland and natural spaces at Raveningham.

Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail
Artist Sam Newson

The Curator, Sarah Cannell, is particularly interested in applications from artists who will respond to the space and create site specific works.

Nicky Stainton from Waveney & Blyth Arts said: “We are very excited by the opportunities that the site at Raveningham brings to the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail.

“The site includes an orchard, pond, shrubberies and lawn areas, which provide wonderful spaces for artists to respond to.”

Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail
Artist Gordon Senior

In 2018 more than 3,850 visitors visited the trail together with 124 well-behaved dogs – generating £16,000 worth of sales.

Both established and up-and-coming artists are encouraged to apply to take part in the 2019 trail.

Curator Sarah Cannell said: “I am thrilled to be curating the sculpture trail again and I can’t wait to start working with new and familiar artists on the project to develop ideas over the next few months.

“The theme, ‘The Woven Woodland’, could be taken literally or metaphorically tocreate works with an emphasis on materials, structure and ideas.

“My overall vision is to continue to encourage public interaction with contemporary art in a rural setting and to this end we would like to invite applications from artists and sculptors keen to respond to this beautiful site.”

Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail
Artist Tobias Ford

All artwork on the trail will be available for sale and there will be an opportunity to sell cards, prints and books related to the artwork.

There will be four awards for participating artists, The Visitor’s Choice award (first, second and third) and The Curator’s Choice award.

Artists have until midnight on Friday 25th January 2019 to apply.

Applications cost £15 which will also include membership to Waveney & Blyth Arts for 2019.

For more information about Waveney & Blyth Arts and to apply visit

www.waveneyandblytharts.com

Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail
Artist Liz McGowan

About the Curator

The 2019 sculpture trail will see the return of Curator Sarah Cannell. Sarah has curated many diverse exhibitions and projects around the UK.

She has a unique ability to inspire and engage people in the Arts as well as being able to develop creative concepts which often involve large numbers of people to diverse audiences.

Artist Vanessa Pooley

Exhibition Dates

Press preview: 30th July 2019
Preview: 1st August 2019, 6-9pm
Sculpture Trail: 2nd August – 8th September 2019, open daily 10am – 5pm