Eynsham Parish Council is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Art Trail and we’re seeking local artists and community groups to help make it happen!
In partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council, we are creating an exciting new Art Trail for the parish, with work designed by local artists in response to different sites and spaces around the village.
Our chair, Ross Macken, said “this is a super exciting opportunity for us to showcase the artistic talent here in Eynsham at the same time as getting the community involved in creating the art and exploring all the corners of our village.”
What?
The Art Trail will connect pieces of public art spread across our parish, with each piece having been created by a local artist or community group specifically for the chosen site. We’re hoping members of our community will be able to get involved with the artist in creating the work, or design a project of their own. The art, envisaged as outdoor installations, will create a circular walk through the village and incorporating Thornbury Green, ideal for walkers and cyclists to enjoy.
How?
The project is being fully funded by a grant from the Thornbury Green development. The developers were required to contribute to a community project that would enhance the local area and we’re able to access it via the District Council.
Why?
Eynsham is unique and fortunate in having a thriving artistic community and some beautiful, shared spaces that many residents use and enjoy. An Art Trail is an ideal way to celebrate all this and create a unique additional attraction in our parish, for local people and visitors.
By commissioning art that is created for and in response to the local landscape, we hope that there we can foster a sense of local ownership of the artwork, while also supporting local artists or those with connections to Eynsham.
When?
The Art Trail will be completed by August 2027 at the latest, but we’re starting now! We are accepting applications from local artists until 4 April. The successful applicants will be informed in May 2025 and then receive the funds they need to create their art in their selected location.
Get involved!
Ross, our chair, keen to encourage all members of the community to consider getting involved: “We want to hear from aspiring new artists as well as our established ‘professionals’. It doesn’t matter what age you are, or how much experience you have; please get in touch if you have a great idea for a piece of exciting art.”
We also have some great advice from Andy Goodwin, who has created what will be the first piece of art for our trail – Connected – with the Willow Coppice team (see it here): “Think about the spaces and let your imagination form your ideas, then think about more practical considerations of installation and maintenance. We grow and harvest our materials, think about the environment in what you make...”
Those interested in proposing a piece of art for a local site need to complete an application form detailing their design, the ideas behind it and how they will work with or involve the community during the creation of the artwork.
The preference is for outdoor installations, but the panel will also consider indoor installations. All artworks need to be practical and low maintenance, able to survive being outside for many years to come.
If you’re interested in finding out more and applying, visit the Art Trail webpage for the project details, design brief and application form. You can also apply via this digital form: https://forms.office.com/e/zPhsE9nsrg Remember to apply before 4 April!