How does contemporary public sculpture transform our landscapes?

 Public Sculpture and Creative Place-Making in Rural Settings.

This special evening will explore how public sculpture can help communities celebrate the unique beauty and rich history of their rural landscapes, fostering local creativity and contributing to place-making.

It will open with an introduction to public sculpture in rural landscapes by Ann Sumner, followed by reflections on Public Sculpture and Landscape from Harvey Hood, founder of the Berllanderi Sculpture Workshop near Raglan and former Head of Sculpture at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. His The Celtic Ring in Cardiff Bay marks the start of the Taff Trail and he also created the map plaques en route to Brecon.

There will be contributions from Nottinghamshire based sculptor Michael Johnson who has been making sculpture since 1991 covering his involvement with the Turning the Tide East Durham coastline project and his work with the Wales Coast Path, culminating in the recent Pebble sculpture being installed in Chepstow, and by Monmouthshire based Aisling Edwards, who will discuss her sculptural interventions and observed landscapes.

here will be a particular focus on the Living Levels Sculpture Trail with an opportunity to hear from sculptors Sebastien Boysen, Sarah Hatton and Chris Wood, hearing about public engagement and how they have reflected the heritage of the Levels. This will be followed by a Panel Discussion with audience participation chaired by Beth McIntyre, considering the question: How does contemporary public sculpture transform our spaces and landscapes?

Love them or loathe them public sculptures can define our public spaces. The evening will also include a lively, open discussion on the subject – How does contemporary public sculpture transform our landscapes?

This is a Visual Arts Mapping Monmouthshire event supported by Cardiff University Centre of Creative Economy and Monmouthshire County Council