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Festivals, Events And Courses Aim To Position Wiltshire As The ‘Arts’ Capital Of The Uk

23 March 2011

It’s a county already renowned for its history and culture but now Wiltshire is promoting itself as an arts destination thanks to a host of annual events, festivals and workshops taking place this summer.  Highlights range from the acclaimed Salisbury International Arts Festival to the more unusual Sculpture Mad where items are created from recycled and used materials.

The range of arts themed events in Wiltshire varies greatly from musical and theatrical arts through to painting, sculpture and textiles.

Below is a snapshot of just some of the arts themed events in Wiltshire this summer:

  • Sculpture Mad – as part of the Wylye Valley Art Trail which runs from 28th May – 5th June, Sculpture Mad will display surrealist sculptures made mostly with recycled materials. These include a procession of Ancient Egyptian gods walking towards bright blue pyramids, aliens landing on holly pyramids, giant frogs, a boy acrobat on a crocodile and a forty foot wide spider web with a fourteen foot wide spider!  These and many more sculptures are displayed across a two acre site.  The exhibition will also take place in September when it moves to the gardens of Stourhead. www.sculpturemad.com or www.wvat.co.uk
  • Salisbury International Arts Festival – the crème de la crème of arts related events in Wiltshire.  This annual festival is one of the largest multi arts festivals in Europe.  The 2011 event takes place in venues all around Salisbury between 20th May – 4th June.  The themes of the festival are China, Dance and Air which will see impressive performances from artists from around the globe including an airborne show by Argentinean company Voala as the opening performance.  The dancers will literally take to the air in Salisbury’s Market Place.  Up to 50 per cent of the performances are free.www.salisburyfestival.co.uk
  • Constable comes to Wiltshire – Also starting in May is a five month special exhibition at Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum dedicated to Constable.  For the first time in history that this particular collection of his works of art, in particular those which depict Salisbury and the surrounding area, will be brought together under one roof.  In addition to the exhibition visitors can also take part in special guided walks of Salisbury where they will be taken to beauty spots where Constable sketched and painted some of his pictures.  Dates and details of these can be found by visiting:www.salisburymuseum.org.uk
  • Bowood through the artists eye – This beautiful stately home officially opens its doors for the season on 1st April and this year a special exhibition by local artists will take place.  All through last season a group of 20 artists photographed and sketched at Bowood.  Each of the individual pieces will be brought together in a season long exhibition showing unique interpretation of the house, landscape and wildlife of Bowood through an artists eye.www.bowood.org
  • Four day art courses – For those who’d rather get involved with art rather than simply view it then the Old Mill Gallery near Devizes is just the thing.  Between 23rd – 26th May the Gallery is offering a four day art course for only £175 per person.  Suitable for both beginners and experienced artists the course will tutor participants in the methods of landscape and coastal painting.  All materials are included.  Participants can also stay in the on-site accommodation at Willow Tree Barn, where chic, eco self-catering accommodation is available from £110 per night.  The barn can accommodate up to six people. www.oldmillarts.co.uk www.willowtreebarn.co.uk

This is just a selection of many unusual and exciting arts related events taking place throughout Wiltshire in 2011.  For a full listing of events visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/art-in-the-countryside

ENDS