This project
- Focuses on Arboretum Park with events of Sculpture–making through Sculptor Residency Programmes (artistic aim). It will offer opportunities to talented sculptors regionally to create sculptures in the Arboretum.
- Help the community understand the tradition of ‘sculptures in a park’ (public education aim). The best known sculpture/statue in the Arboretum is The Florentine Boar, installed in 1806 by the Strutt’s family. Strutt had commissioned William John Coffee, a Crown Derby sculptor, to make an earthenware copy of bronze statue which he had seen in central Florence. The earthenware boar was damaged (decapitated) during a German air raid. The current statue is bronze replacement produced by a local engineer, Alex Paxton in 2005. Over years the Arboretum has incorporated a variety of buildings, statues, fountains and ornaments. The sculptures produced through residencies and community workshops will be installed (temporarily) in the Park to mark its 175th anniversary.
- The spirit of ‘giving back to the community’ that was at the heart of the development of the Arboretum Park 175 years back. The project will explore and break through invisible boundaries that exist between differences in cultural and socio – economic communities: Normanton; by the community participation workshops offering platforms for cultural/social interaction and create artworks while celebrating Arboretum Park and its history.
There will be various opportunities for art students, emerging artists and community groups.This is at the heart of ‘being good neighbours’ – celebrating inclusiveness, diversity, being different, yet coming together for common good.
