The tours are free, open to all, and will run from 11am-3pm. They will include:
- Emily Wilkinson, 21 Miles, Haiku Stencil Pavement Poetry: Follow a temporary haiku chalk pavement poem stencilled by artist Emily Wilkinson in the areas around Diglis Oil Basin and the towpath next to Diglis Lock.
- Sam Underwood, Heed, Interactive Sound Devices and Walks: Discover listening devices inspired by soundscapes of local waterways, including some made from flood waste collected from the River Severn. Sound artist and musical instrument designer Sam Underwood will be waterside at Diglis Oil Basin to demonstrate how the devices can transform how you hear your surroundings.
- Rich White, Occupation, Diglis Island Visit Day: See the sculpture, Occupation, on Diglis Island before it is dismantled and recycled in early October. Artist Rich White will lead guided tours of the island with special guest contributions from previous residents and canal workers. Booking is required for Rich's tour, to do so visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diglis-island-visit-days-29-september-tickets-50166851403
The Ring arts programme celebrates the region's canals and rivers. The project, run by the Canal & River Trust - the charity that cares for the nation's waterways – has seen a series of new commissions created by local and internationally celebrated artists in response to the 21 miles of waterways encircling Droitwich and Worcester, namely the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, the Droitwich Canals and the River Severn.
Cathy Mager, artistic director of The Ring, says: "The Ring has seen some amazing work and events over the past few months, and we only have a short amount of time left on the project. So what better way to celebrate it than to visit these tours, get to see work up close and hear from the amazing artists that produced them."
Tim Eastop, producer of Arts on the Waterways at the Canal & River Trust, said: "It has been fascinating to see how local waterways have inspired our contributing artists to create such a diverse and compelling range of works. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the waterways in Worcester through the eyes of these excellent artists, so I really encourage people to attend."
The Ring is a part of the Canal & River Trust's Arts on the Waterways programme and is funded by Arts Council England and Canal & River Trust together with support from local authorities, trusts and foundations. For full details please visit: www.theringart.org.uk
