IF YOU'VE not been able to see the wood for the trees at Grizedale, look again, big things are stirring as a New Year dawns.

Grizedale Arts deputy director Ceri Hand says everything is coming together for some fantastic projects in 2003

centring on Grizedale Live running from May 23-25.

Ceri is bordering on ecstatic about this year's Grizedale Live - Road Show, an exhilarating programme of specially commissioned work and performances that starts at Grizedale Visitor Centre and tours to Gallery-in-the-Trees, Lickey Hills, Birmingham; Bleaneau Ffestiniog, Wales; and Duncan of Jordanstone Galleries, Dundee; with three days at each venue.

Included is a whole range of work, from a rock opera by Paul Rooney (based on a press cutting found in the Stan Laurel Musuem, Ulverston) a Battle of the Bands Competition, starring local bands, to stuntman extraordinaire Harry Butler, who will be performing daredevil stunts like his infamous Ring of Fire.

"Road Show takes work to rural venues that would not usually have the chance to see work of this kind, particularly the more performative pieces, and aims to address issues facing the perception of art in the environment and art from rural places. No longer focusing primarily on the traditional sculptural object, the work on tour will experiment with sculpture, film, performance, broadcast and installation.

"It builds on and consolidates Grizedale's approach to contemporary art in the environment and offers a strong programme of educational workshops and activities led by the contemporary artists involved.

"Establishing links and a new touring circuit between rural and forest organisations that have not previously collaborated."

All this plus large-scale art from Mark Wallinger, work by New York-based Swiss artisan Olaf Breuning and much more, makes for a breathtaking year at Grizedale.

For further details contact 01229-860291.

January 9, 2003 10:30