Jerwood Open Forest preview 2014

Jerwood Open Forest is a new initiative in the Jerwood Visual Arts programme supported by Jerwood Charitable Foundation in partnership with Forestry Commission England. From an exceptional response of strong and diverse proposals, five projects have been selected for a six-month research and development period.

Juan delGado, Adam James, Amanda Loomes, artist duo Semiconductor (Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt), and Chris Watson collaborating with producer Iain Pate, have each received a £2,000 research and development fee and support from Jerwood Visual Arts and Forestry Commission England to expand on the concept of their proposal and explore potential sites through this phase.

The selection panel of leading practitioners and project partners includes; Michaela Crimmin, Co-director, Culture+Conflict; Dan Harvey, artist; Tania Kovats, artist; Shonagh Manson, Director, Jerwood Charitable Foundation; and Hayley Skipper, Curator of Arts Development, Forestry Commission England.

Artists were invited to submit bold, broad-thinking proposals for a major £30,000 commission to be realised anywhere within England’s Public Forest Estate, exploring the potential for forests as a site for art. It is hoped that the commission will contribute to a national conversation about how contemporary visual artists engage with the environment today.

The research process will culminate in a curated exhibition at Jerwood Space, London from 15 January-23 February 2014. One project will then be selected by the panel of leading practitioners and project partners to receive a £30,000 commissioning budget to realise their proposal.