Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival unveils plans for contemporary large scale public artwork that celebrates 1900 years of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site
Coming this Summer, APERTURA by Ed Carter, Nicky Kirk and Tony Broomhead is an interactive sonic sculpture set in the picturesque setting of Northumberland National Park’s, Walltown Country Park.
After months of development this unique installation is being described by organisers as an evocative intervention in the landscape. From Saturday 10th September and Sunday 2nd October visitors can experience a sound sculpture made up of 1900 copper wind chimes that creates an evolving soundscape the everchanging breeze.
Inspired by the World Heritage Site and the stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park, APERTURA will frame, and provide a new viewpoint to this section of Hadrian’s Wall, inviting audiences to experience a constantly evolving, interactive spectacle of shimmering light and sound.
The free to attend artwork funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority will encourage people to come together in a shared physical space in order to engage, celebrate and listen. APERTURA engage with local, regional, national, and international audiences, opening conversations about Hadrian’s Wall as an inspiring cultural bridge, rather than a static geographical border.
As part of the project the team is engaging with local communities to contribute to the artwork by designing their own sails, which will be added to each wind chime, and bring the piece to life” A number of public sessions will be advertised via the website. Groups that are interested in taking part can email info@hadrianswall1900.co.uk
Jane, Lady Gibson, Chair of Hadrian’s Wall Partnership said:
“APERTURA is an artwork that interprets this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site within a contemporary context, the location providing a monumental platform to shape a cultural dialogue about togetherness, dialogue, and commonality. We can’t wait to invite visitors from around the world to come and celebrate this special event”
APERTURA is being delivered by a team led by Gateshead based artist Ed Carter who has been collaborating with Nicky Kirk and Tony Broomhead for over 20 years. As individuals and working collaboratively the team have delivered a number of high profile artistic, architectural and temporary projects locally, in the UK and internationally.
At the end of the installation period, the temporary suspended chimes will be given to local schools and community groups as sets of wind chimes, to ensure the underlying concept creates a legacy that remains in the local communities of Hadrian’s Wall
Ed Carter said:
The history of Walltown Country Park provides the ideal context in which to explore the ideas behind this piece of work. The quarrying work has left a large opening in a central section of Hadrian’s Wall, offering a tangible analogy for the notion that “openings mediate between the worlds separated by architectural barriers” (Rudolph Arnheim).”
Individuals, groups, venues and organisations along the length of the wall are being encouraged to get involved and be part of this incredible year by visiting https://1900.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/ and submitting their own activities to the programme!
The HW1900 Festival programme to date is available to view at https://1900.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/
The North of Tyne Combined Authority is a partnership of three local authorities: Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Northumberland County Council and the North of Tyne Elected Mayor.