Art on the Island – Conversations with the Sea
Introducing a series of artist led events over the spring/summer season 2024, to engage with locals, culminating in a public art installation for Northey Island
As part of a project in collaboration with the National Trust I will be creating an artistic installation responding to the theme of sea level rise, taking inspiration from Northey Island, its habitat and the work undertaken in on the Island. The installation will be placed on the property for up to seventy years.
We (myself and the team from the National Trust) will be meeting people locally, and offering walks, workshops and events for the general public to get involved in, and share their own ideas for the location!
We will be learning about the effects of man-made interventions on the island and how they have increased its lifespan. Plus exploring the history and heritage, for example its Viking history via the Battle of Maldon, which took place on the causeway and the south bank of the Blackwater near the island.
We will be visiting some of the industries which support the local economy, its salt production, and the sailing industry. Plus investigating materials on-site and thinking about recycling. There will be something for everyone, and no skills will be required to take part.
We will also be engaging with the local schools to offer educational opportunities as part of the project and are open now to applications from local schools who want to get involved.
The project will culminate in the unveiling of the art installation on the island, and this is your chance to have your say and get involved, some of the work produced will be included in our inform the final work!
We look forward to seeing you all on the Island this summer! Scroll down for events!
Printing with Plants Walk & Workshop
With Sara Hayes and one of our local experts, for a deep dive into the plants of Northey
Island. Take a short walk and gather leaves and other natural materials
to print from and create your own masterpieces. All materials will be
supplied, no experience necessary.
Book here: https://tinyurl.com/4c2x5caj
Red Salt Clay Walk & Workshop
Meet a local ceramicist, get inspired by the island and then create your
own Northey-inspired sculptures from local red salt clay.
Book here: https://tinyurl.com/cvy68k48
Exploring Nature on Northey Walking Art Walk
Join Sara and a guest artist to investigate the diverse wildlife, plant life and bird populations of Northey Island and record what you see and experience through a variety of creative tasks. No experience is necessary.
Book here: https://tinyurl.com/bdzjap9s
Introduction to Sea Level Rise a Walk & Talk
Enjoy a walk around Northey Island with a National Trust ranger and
learn all about the coastal interventions that are helping to prolong
its life, as well as more about the wildlife that live there.
Book here: https://tinyurl.com/58bw5a8f
Schools Workshops
Learning About Northey with Sara Hayes and the National Trust team – Contact us for more info or to sign up!
Accessibility – Northey Island has a pathway around the island. It is off-road and there is one non-accessible ditch crossing point. To arrange disabled access please the National Trust us on: northeyisland@nationaltrust.org.uk
Getting There – We advise arriving on foot from the main car park in Promenade Car Park as there is no parking on site. The coastal path with take you to the causeway onto the island.
Plan your trip – Please take care on the Island it isn’t manned full time and tidal. Please plan your trip, the island is not accessible for three hours either side of the high tide. Please take care not to disturb the bird life on the island.
Get Involved
For more information e-mail: northeyisland@nationaltrust.org.uk
Contact Us:
Follow us here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalTrustEssex
Find Us:
On the National Trust Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/northey-island/art-on-the-island