Open Call for National Trust Hare Hill commission

Our friends at National Trust Hare Hill want to work with an artist(s) or maker whose work explores art, nature and the environment to develop a new artwork which utilises wood from the site in 2020 for installation in 2021.

We want audiences to explore the history of Hare Hill, while looking towards its future. The area designated for the artwork is where visitors will leave the historic garden, before entering a new wildflower meadow area.

The concept for this commission arose from a Barnaby Festival R&D project and has strong connections to the town through the influence of key Macclesfield figures. The artist(s) will be invited to explore the sometimes challenging histories of the Hibbert and Brocklehurst families who shaped Hare Hill, along with 20th century garden designer James Russell and to consider the garden and how it’s past meets it’s future and what that future may look like. There will also be the opportunity to meet staff and volunteers to understand their thoughts on the past and future of the site. Potential access to an outdoor work space on-site may be possible to help create the artwork and speak and engage with visitors. This brief describes the context in which we see the commission working and gives details of how to apply.

Aims of the Project

• To connect people with the history of Hare Hill and how in particular the gardens developed.
• To create a semi-permanent piece which will be at the site for 5-10 years.
• To create a ‘transitional’ space between the historic garden and the new wildflower meadow
• To help visitors deepen their connection with Hare Hill and the National Trust.
• To create a new offer at Hare Hill to encourage new visitors
• To create an accessible artwork that complements the garden from a heritage or nature conservation perspective.
• To consider the suitability and sustainability of any intervention.
• To engage staff and volunteers with this new approach.