A trio of artists have been commissioned to create new landscape-inspired works on the Isle of Wight as part of a wider cultural programme celebrating creativity and heritage.
Isle of Wight National Landscape and Creative Island have announced Trudie Wilson, Laura Hathaway and Hector MacInnes as the successful artists for Landed, which forms part of ‘Can You Hear Us?’, a celebration of creativity and culture taking place this autumn.
The commissions will see artists working within the Isle of Wight National Landscape to develop creative responses to heritage and natural sites, with young people placed at the centre of the process.
Richard Grogan, Isle of Wight National Landscape Manager, has said:
“The Isle of Wight National Landscape is proud to be working with Creative Island to bring new interpretations of iconic heritage assets in the protected landscape on the Isle of Wight.
“As part of the wider Arts Council funded ‘Can You Hear Us?’ project, we believe this collaboration of artists, arts organisations, funders and the Island’s communities will showcase our creative industries to the widest audiences both locally and further afield.”
The artists have been awarded grants of £16,000 and £10,000 to develop their projects in collaboration with young people. The programme is funded by Arts Council England and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with support from English Heritage, The National Trust and Forestry England.
A total of 79 applications were received from local, national and international artists. Seven were shortlisted, with the Isle of Wight National Landscape youth committee involved in selecting the final 3. Shortlisting focused on the ability to combine nature connection, heritage, collaboration and meaningful engagement with young people.
Trudie Wilson, Isle of Wight artist, has said:
“I’m excited to explore and share my love of this remarkable landscape through my art practice this year, and I look forward to the resulting work connecting with our local community.”
All three artists have strong links to island life. Trudie Wilson and Laura Hathaway live and work on the Isle of Wight, while Hector MacInnes grew up on the Isle of Skye.
Trudie Wilson will develop a site-specific response at Appuldurcombe House, beginning with a residency, research and exploration of the historic landscape alongside young people. Laura Hathaway will respond to the geological environment at Compton Bay using a multi-sensory approach. Hector MacInnes will work with young people to create reimagined interpretations of St Catherine’s Oratory.
Georgia Newman, Deputy Director at Creative Island, has said:
“Landed is about giving artists the space to respond thoughtfully and imaginatively to the Island’s landscapes and heritage, while placing young people at the heart of that process.
“These temporary commissions invite curiosity, conversation and reflection in the moment, allowing us to experiment, to listen, and to explore how art can help us understand place differently.”
The Landed commissions will form part of the wider ‘Can You Hear Us?’ programme, which aims to make creativity more visible and accessible while giving young people a meaningful voice in how the Isle of Wight is experienced and understood.
