20.05.2005
An innovative arts project involving University of Brighton arts students, women from Hillview (a Mouslecoomb based arts group) and the National Trust has created sculptures in ancient woodland outside Brighton.
The sculptures, including a sleeping giant and a spider’s web are all inspired by nature and made entirely from natural materials from the woodland.
The project is funded by the Community University Partnership Programme (www.cupp.org.uk) which helps set up projects involving the University of Brighton and local communities.
Alice Fox from the University of Brighton’s School of Arts and Architecture said: "The aim of the arts project is to strengthen the university’s links with the local community in Mouslecoomb as well as giving arts students experience of working on community arts projects."
It has taken the 10 students and nine women from Hillview Family Centre four days to create the sculptures with help from the National Trust which has provided equipment and expertise.
Local Sculptor and Family Centre Worker Sue Nunn said: "This project has given members of the Hillview arts group a rare opportunity to practise the skills they have learnt at the centre in a completely new environment as well as mixing with students."
"The women have really enjoyed the opportunity to create these unique sculptures and are planning to bring their children to the woodland to view their work."
National Trust Ranger, Graham Welfare said: "The National Trust wants to see more people from different communities enjoying the countryside in Sussex. Only three of the group of 19 students and women had ever visited the countryside and this is something we want to change by encouraging participation in project such as this."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
