With the weather warming up and the end of lockdown in sight, everyone is eager to get outside. What better way than to visit some of the best outdoor art exhibits and events the North West has to offer. Each of the exhibits featured in our top 5 list are socially-distanced, outdoors or strictly following COVID guidelines. Why not lift your spirits by checking out these art projects and works you can visit in the North West post-lockdown.
Located in the heart of the English Lake district, Grizedale Forest is famous for its art installations that have been spread throughout the park since 1977. Visit the forest to explore a vast network of walking and cycling trails, and discover sculptures from some of the leading contemporary artists in the country, whilst also admiring the gorgeous views. Today’s collection includes permanent and temporary sculptures by artists spanning the long history of art at Grizedale, and an interactive online guide showcases an archive of all known artworks sited in the forest for one week or more since its inception.
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C-o-n-t-a-c-t is a socially-distanced production, set and performed in Salford Quays and Central Manchester from Tuesday 18 May to Tuesday 29 June. An ideal lockdown activity, this internationally-acclaimed play follows Sarah who is approached by a stranger who can hear her thoughts, and explores themes of mental health and anxiety. As an interactive outdoor show, the audience follows the action as it unfolds, listening to 3D sound design through headphones via an app. Spend 50 minutes watching this remarkable play with just 16 other audience members in a COVID-safe environment for an intimate and unique experience. Tickets are on sale not at The Lowry website, follow the link below for more information.
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Antony Gormly’s exhibit has been a staple of the Crosby horizon since 2007. Spanning 3km of foreshore, and almost 1km out to sea, this permanent installation features 100 cast-iron, life-size figures, each weighing 650 kilos. Each of the figures is cast from the artist’s own body and they stand, looking out to the horizon, staring silently. Originally, Another Place was exhibited in Germany, Norway and Belgium but settled just a short walk from the Blundellsands and Crosby railway station. These stunning sculptures are sure to be the perfect day trip, combined with a visit to the lovely coastal town of Crosby that sits beside the beach and features a number of delightful shops and pubs.
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Withington Walls is a community street art project aiming to reinvigorate the area with quality street art on the shutters and walls around the village. Founded by Ed Wellard and Casey Longden, run by volunteers and funded by public donations, this art trail features the work of local artists, and has proved to be quite popular with the community. The project raised £5,000 with its first Crowdfunder and has a loyal following on its Instagram. The project presents new art to maintain the vibrancy of the area and turn the streets into a free public outdoor art gallery. This accessible and creative art trail is accessible to all.
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- Words:
- Jessica Cooper
- Published on:
- Fri 23 Apr 2021
Liverpool Biennial has launched a new series of outdoor artworks across the city from a range of incredible artists. Entitle The Outside In, the art trail includes work from Rashid Johnson, Linder and Teresa Solar, along with a number of digital commissions that can be found on their website. Placed anywhere from the Canning Dock Quayside to Exchange Flags, marvel at the beautiful artwork from a safe distance or get involved from home by visiting the Biennial Online Portal where a series of online projects exploring the pandemic, artificial intelligence, digital experiments and much more can be found. The current exhibit, The Stomach and the Port, is also open from Sunday 27 June 2021.