Commissioning an artist for 2020

Artists have submited their expression of interest to create a contemporary installation inside Lindisfarne Castle in 2020. We are currently going through the many submissions.

Shadowing us on this exciting journey is a Fine Art student from Newcastle University - Liam:

'Hello, I’m Liam, a Fine Art student, currently in my second year at Newcastle University. I have been awarded the opportunity to work on a student placement, with Lindisfarne Castle and Trust New Art for the new art commission in the castle for 2020.

Since moving to the North of England for my studies, the National Trust has played a huge role in my life. I have used much of my free time hiking around local National Trust properties and parks, investigating the history and natural habitats in Northumbria. I am ecstatic to have been awarded this opportunity, and I believe it will enrich my future development on many levels. Gaining first-hand experience on an artist placement and working with a group of likeminded enthusiasts will teach me a lot about the logistics that are needed to develop and support an artist in residence. Working with the National Trust is also a thrilling prospect which I hope to explore further in my degree.

Using this platform, I will be sharing my thoughts and experiences of this project as a student involved in the creative arts sector.

This week I have been working through the proposal submissions with the selection panel, that were sent in response to the brief. Artists nationally and internationally have applied with specialisms such as installation, sculpture, sound, performance, film and several applied art mediums. It has been inspiring to see so many exceptional responses to the project and how they have approached the commission in so many unique ways. Their inspirations included rhythm of the tide, outside in – inside out, community voice, castle as the subject, craftsmanship and design and sanctuary for the soul.

After working through all the submissions, four artists have been shortlisted and they have been invited to the castle to better understand the location and produce a formal proposal.  

Alongside this I will be researching Holy Island and the proposed work to develop a new interactive program to run alongside the artist project - to expand the experience and interaction of the visitors and ensure the project has a lasting legacy working with the local and national community. '

This project is part of Trust New Art, the National Trust’s programme of contemporary arts which is supported by partnerships with Arts Council England and the Arts Council of Wales.