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21 Miles: art competition inspired by Worcestershire

This summer people in Worcestershire are being encouraged to enter an art competition inspired by the canals and rivers of the county.

Narrowboat near bridge on Staffordhsire & Worcestershire Canal

The competition is part of The Ring arts programme, which is running throughout spring and summer in celebration of the 21-mile circle of natural and historic waterways making up the Mid-Worcestershire Ring.

Artists young and not-so-young, experienced creators and beginners are being asked to visit the River Severn, Worcester & Birmingham Canal and Droitwich Canals and send in their artwork. To top it off there will be an exhibition showing selected work at Worcester's magnificent library The Hive from 8 September until 5 October.

The Mid-Worcestershire Ring is an inspiring place for artists to work, with busy, built-up areas, picturesque mooring places and peaceful, rural locations. Entries can be in photography, poetry and creative writing, drawing, painting and mixed media or film, sound and music.

In addition to the exhibition, there are also prizes on offer, including t-shirts from the Trust, funky stationery from The Hive, limited edition copies of ‘The Muck and Shovel Brigade' by Heather Wastie (a book of poems written, with archive photographs by Max Sinclair) and a top-quality Abberley tent from project sponsors, OLPRO.

Artist and poet Emily Wilkinson, who is running a blog that will showcase entries, is leading the competition and Emily is keen to help local artists get involved. She says: "I'm so excited about this project, as a mixed media artist I really enjoy approaching ideas through a wide range of creative possibilities. Who knows, taking part in this competition could inspire a whole new direction for those who are interested in the arts and like getting out and about."

You can join Emily for a walk around part of The Ring on Thursday 26 July, setting off from The Commandery Cafe (WR1 2HU ) at 10.30am, to find some inspiration.

Arts on the waterways

The Ring is being run as part of the Trust's Arts on the Waterways programme. Executive producer, Tim Eastop, says: "Water and nature have long been a catalyst for the arts, and the waterways making up the Mid-Worcestershire Ring are no exception. They are tranquil, beautiful places to escape the hectic pace of twenty-first century life. They are also teeming with life, from wild flowers to unusual water-loving birds.

There is always something different to be inspired by on every visit and I encourage any artist to get involved in this great competition. Even if you aren't an artist, take a trip to your local canal or river, and see what these amazing spaces can do for you."

To submit entries follow @theringworcs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and send your work using the hashtag #TheRing21 or email [email protected] full details are here https://thering21miles.wordpress.com/submit/

The Ring began in March and runs until 2 September 2018. The project has commissioned seven professional artists and performers to create new work around Worcester and Droitwich:

  • Poet Heather Wastie wrote a book of poems with photos from Max Sinclair's archive of the canal restoration (the e-book can be viewed on The Ring's website)
  • Rich White created a sculptural installation that can be seen at Diglis Island until September
  • Katy Beinart made a Salt Pavilion that journeyed by barge to Droitwich (on show at Droitwich Heritage Centre until September)
  • a celebration of culture took place in Worcester, with a 10-day festival of arts and music featuring the sequinned Weorgoran Pavilion designed by NEON and a soundscape by Dave Crowe
  • an unusual arts performance in a specially designed artwork/costume by Emily Speed will take place on the 11 August
  • And Lucy McLauchlan will paint a spectacular mural at Diglis Oil Basin in September
  • There are lots of special events too, with art walks, workshops and Diglis Island Visits to get involved with, more details online at www.theringart.org.uk
Two women eat lunch next to the canal

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Last Edited: 25 July 2018

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