We are looking for an artist, artists or a collaboration, to create one or two permanent interactive art-based trails. One to be based at Danby Lodge National Park Centre and one to be based at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

Background information

The North York Moors National Park – a place of great beauty and tranquillity – is visited by 8.7 million visitors per year. The North York Moors National Park Authority has two National Park Visitor Centres, based at Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank. Both offer a full day out for National Park residents, local residents and tourists of all ages. They provide a base and a gateway to exploring the amazing National Park landscape whilst linking people to the arts, natural heritage, wildlife and dark skies.

Currently the centres offer a range of activities including outdoor play zones, family trails, scenic and woodland walks, a dark skies and nature hub, bike trails and interactive exhibitions, as well as regular events throughout the year. Additionally, our contemporary “Inspired by…” gallery at Danby Lodge hosts a dynamic programme of exhibitions and workshops, bringing together established and emerging artists who draw their inspiration from the stunning landscape. Our centres are information points with friendly staff helping our visitors get the most out of their time in the National Park. Both Centres  have a well-regarded retail shop plus a café with indoor and outdoor seating – which are run externally by Park Life Café.

Artist Brief – Art Trails

We are looking for an artist, artists or a collaboration, to create one or two permanent interactive art-based trails, one or both briefs can be chosen.  One to be based at Danby Lodge National Park Centre and one to be based at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

Using arts and nature as a prominent theme we would like to develop both visitor centres by offering accessible activities which will attract a wider and larger visitor audience, therefore supporting more people to be healthy and active. The Art Trails would be a permanent feature at Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank National Park Centres and would add to the existing offer. They should be sympathetic to and inspired by the landscapes surrounding the visitor centres, bringing the arts outdoors and raising individuals understanding of nature. 

The trails will take art out of a formal setting and engage people of all ages and interests, particularly those who may not naturally engage and participate in the arts. It ultimately will break down barriers to arts and heritage engagement by bringing art to an outdoor environment which is unique and relaxed. The proposed trails have the opportunity to be self-led and be part of an innovative events programme and tool for educational and community engagement, thus, creating opportunities for all to experience nature and landscape whilst in the landscape. The self-led art trails will be versatile and interchangeable in use, from the self-led option to bookable activities and events.

Trail 1 – Sutton Bank

'Words in the Landscape' Art Trail

By placing words and poetry within nature they can become more meaningful and evocative then when on the page. We are looking for a creative to produce an Arts Trail using the written word as an emotional response to connection and observation to nature, rivers, landscape and the environment and with art to create a ‘Words in the Landscape Trail’.  The trails would be cohesive and well themed and encompass some or all of the following element’s, sculptures, objects, word panels, interactive and sensory. We are looking for a concept, design, creation and installation of elements suitable for an outdoor setting, with thought to future maintenance, in keeping with the location and using sustainable sourced materials. The trail would have a number of Reflective Areas for people who require a quiet, ‘tucked away’, tranquil space and to help connect and reconnect people with nature.

Elements of the trail or an activity around the trail will be developed in partnership with the community by engaging schools or community groups. The self-led art trails will be versatile and interchangeable in use, from the self-led option to bookable activities and events around storytelling and the written word activities.

Trail 1 – Budget

Design, creative concept of one art trail and an activity.

35 days arts practitioner

£8,750

Construction and installation of one art trail

£12,750

Seating for art trail, tranquil areas, design, interpretation, and construction (sympathetic seating to be designed by local designers to create areas of tranquillity)

£5,000

Trail 2 - Danby Lodge

'Journeys’'Arts Trail

With the vast accessible landscape of the North York Moors we are looking for a creative to explore and respond to the word ‘journey’ through art linking physical journeys and personal journeys, inspiration material might come from travel, maps, personal experiences, self-discover, a rivers journey, bird and fish migration. The Journeys Trail can include an outdoor sculptural compass plus a mix of element’s which could include sculpture, objects, interactive and sensory pieces using natural and sustainable sourced materials.  Tranquil areas along the trails for mindfulness, connection and observation with nature and creative thinking can be included, these reflective areas will encourage mindfulness and a place to breath.

Elements of the trail or an activity around the trail will be developed in partnership with the community by engaging schools or community groups. The self-led art trails will be versatile and interchangeable in use, from the self-led option to bookable activities and events.

Trail 2 – Budget

Design, creative concept of one art trail and an activity.

35 days arts practitioner

£8,750

Construction and installation of one art trail

£12,750

Seating for art trail, tranquil areas, design, interpretation, and construction (sympathetic seating to be designed by local designers to create areas of tranquillity)

£2,000

Preferences/considerations:

At Danby Lodge National Park Centre there are already tranquil areas with benches which can be included in the trail design.

Elements to consider

·       A trail that appeals to varying age ranges

·       Consider elements that would engage adults and those that would engage families.

·       Interactive elements

·       Learning

·       Wider sensory elements within or bordering the structure - flowers planted, different colours or smells (these could be delivered with internal resource).

·       UK material where possible or sustainably sourced.

·       Environmental credentials. (Re the above environmental points – we will include this messaging on our engagement signage on site and online).

·       Consideration of installation and risk assessments

·       Minimal cost requirements for on-going maintenance of the trail.

Preferred timeframe

Artists project time: start 25 March 2024, trail installation completed by 1 October 2024

5 February: Brief open for applications

8 March: Application deadline date

11 March: Shortlist selection process

15 March : Shortlisted artists site meeting at Sutton Bank National Park Centre

18 March: Shortlisted artists site meeting at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

22 March: Notification to successful applicant/s

25 March: Work on project to begin

1 October: Installation completed

Planning

NYMNPA has permitted development rights, however any substantially sized structure is likely to sit outside of these rights. Any proposal will need consultation with NYMNPA Planning Officers.

Installation

We require the successful applicant to be mindful that we are tourism visitor attraction with day-to-day operations, open 7 days (from 13  Feb). Unless ground works require closure (which can be arranged but must be discussed with satisfactory lead time) you will have the public freely using the site, along with staff and volunteers. We therefore must be conscious of this and mitigate any risk of poor visitor experience as the construction takes place, to avoid as much disruption as possible.

Site visits and Information Pack

Site visits are welcomed and encouraged to understand the centre and areas for development. These do not need to be arranged visits, however, please refer to our website for opening hours etc.

Please send a message through CuratorSpace to request a information pack.