Trust New Art exhibitions and events

Mark Wallinger and James Lowe, Writ in Water, Runnymede, Surrey — Artist Mark Wallinger and architect James Lowe pose in front of their creation Writ in Water | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Launched in 2009, Trust New Art is an initiative that was designed to bring people closer to contemporary art through the medium of National Trust places. On this page, you'll find out about all the exhibitions and events that are happening near you, and discover how to get involved with future Trust New Art projects.

About Trust New Art

Many National Trust places were built with art at their heart. Since 2009, Trust New Art has been continuing this important creative legacy by connecting people to these places through contemporary arts - from crafts to architecture, performance to immersive installations.

So far, we’ve worked with more than 300 artists to present new work that's taken visitors to unexplored areas, revealed hidden stories and helped people to see these places in different ways.

What's on in 2023

Nothing Exists Alone: Wallington, Northumberland

Installed next to Trout Bridge on Wallington's River Walk, Nothing Exists Alone is a contemporary steel piece that depicts wolves running through the trees. It was created by INSTAR (aka Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys), who produce contemporary work with deeper connections to the natural world.

Permanent

Visit Wallington

Writ in Water: Runnymede, Surrey

At this site over 800 years ago, the feudal barons forced King John to seal the Magna Carta. Now, Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with architectural practice Studio Octopi, has created a tranquil space that gives visitors the chance to consider the ongoing significance and influences of this historic agreement. Commissioned in association with Situations.

Permanent

Visit Writ in Water at Runnymede

The Jurors: Runnymede, Surrey

Take a seat in this ancient landscape, where the Magna Carta was signed over 800 years ago. Hew Locke’s 12 bronze jurors’ chairs invite you to reflect on the histories and issues on display, and to debate the meaning of justice.

Permanent

Visit The Jurors at Runnymede

The Artificial Sunshine: The Argory, County Armagh

This striking neon-light installation, designed by Northern Irish artist Kevin Killen, places a bespoke contemporary display inside an historic house. Inspired by the glow of the acetylene gas flame that lit The Argory, The Artificial Sunshine delivers an entirely modern take on this celebrated form of lighting.

Permanent

Visit The Argory

The Jurors, by artist Hew Locke at Runnymede and Ankerwycke, Surrey. On a grassy meadow, a sculpture of 12 high-backed bronze chairs facing inwards. — The Jurors, by artist Hew Locke at Runnymede and Ankerwycke | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Get involved with Trust New Art

There are many ways to get involved with Trust New Art, from working with us as an artist to volunteering at a National Trust place.

The Trust New Art programme is planned up to four years in advance, and projects can be initiated by our own teams, or through collaborations with museums, galleries, universities and professional organisations. The majority of our commissions are selected through an open-call process, and we advertise these through our website and social media feeds, as well as on Arts Jobs, which is Arts Council England’s opportunities board.

Due to the large volume of proposals received, we can only follow up in exceptional circumstances and are not able to return unsolicited material.

To get in touch, email trustnewart@nationaltrust.org.uk.

A group of Delftware urns at Dyrham Park, Bristol and Bath

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