Call out for artists from across the UK to take part in sculpture trail

Applications are now open for artists to apply to be part of a popular sculpture trail which is set to return to Norfolk in 2018.

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

Organised by Waveney & Blyth Arts, the event takes place at The Raveningham Centre, ten miles south of Norwich.

The trail is part of ‘Celebrate the Waveney & Blyth 2018’, an annual programme of events that highlight the unique character of the two valleys situated in north Suffolk and south Norfolk.

The venue offers a unique location for site specific work and sculpture in the grounds of Castell Farm, a Tudor farmhouse.

Both established and up-and-coming artists are encouraged to apply to take part in the 5th Waveney Valley Sculpture Trial which will take place between Friday, August 17 and Sunday, September 16.

Nicky Stainton from Waveney & Blyth Arts said: “The response from visitors to the 2017 Sculpture Trail at Raveningham was extremely positive.

“Visitors found the trail around the grounds accessible and enjoyed the wide range of work, from figurative to abstract, with many people returning for several visits.

“The level of sales was fantastic and far exceeded our expectations. We hope to build on this success and attract visitors from an even wider area in 2018.”

The site at Raveningham includes an orchard, pond, shrubberies and lawn areas, which provide an array of spaces for artists to respond to.

On site there are a number of attractions on offer with the Ravenous Cafe, East India Trading Company, Cannell Antiques, Helen Howes Textile Artist and other units nearby.

In 2017 more than 3,000 visitors visited the trail to see the work of more than 40 artists, generating around £12,000 worth of sales.

Curator Sarah Cannell said: “Following the huge amount of work spent getting the site ready for 2017 we now have a fabulous blank canvas to work with for our fifth sculpture trail in the lush countryside at Raveningham, South Norfolk.

“I am so excited to see how artists and makers, either familiar with or new to the site, respond creatively. Often a space can spark a new idea for a piece of work and I feel it is my job to encourage and support each artist to realise their creative vision.

“Last year we saw a fishing boat recycled into a whale, an antique bath as part of a conceptual artwork, a path of ceramic boots and footprints which led us through the orchard and a North Sea Cloak woven with seaweed, feathers and shells was installed on the kitchen garden wall.

“In 2018 artists will, I am sure, continue to delight, challenge and inspire visitors of all ages.”

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

This year there will be two awards for participating artists, The Visitor’s Choice award and The Curator’s Choice award.

To apply visit www.waveneyvalleysculpturetrail.com or email Miss Cannell via [email protected] for more information.

The closing date for applications is Friday, January 26, 2018.

 

About the Curator

Sarah Cannell curated the first, second and fourth of the River Waveney Sculpture Trails in 2014, 2015 & 2017 and 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.

 

Exhibition Dates

Press preview: Tuesday, August 14 2017
Preview: Thursday, August 16 2017
Exhibition open: Friday, August 17 until Sunday, September 16, 2018 (open daily 10am until 5pm)