Sheepfolds is a major Cumbria-wide sculpture, landscape and environment project with the internationally renowned sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, developed by Cumbria County Council.

The project started in January 1996, as part of Cumbria's contribution to the UK Year of Visual Arts, and has been extended to December 2002. The artist will use sheepfold, washfold and pinfold sites to create environmentally responsive sculptural works.

A wide range of organisations have been involved in the development of Sheepfolds. In January 2001 East Cumbria Countryside Project (ECCP) took over from Cumbria Public Art as commissions programme manager. Other organisations include the six local authorities of Cumbria, North West Development Agency, Leader Programme, National Trust, National Park, Prism Arts, Cumbria Arts in Education, Newton Rigg, parish and town councils, and individuals in many communities across the county.

Sheepfolds connects directly with the farming tradition and history of Cumbria. By using the sites of existing or ruined agricultural structures and rebuilding or repairing them, new life will be breathed into them, where before they would have simply melted into the landscape. As the change of farming methods has altered the use of these stone structures, so the interest and involvement of the artist in them will bring a new and real purpose to rebuild them.

Andy Goldsworthy has an established international reputation, but Sheepfolds will work firstly at the local level, with local people being directly involved in the evolution and development of the works.

A major exhibition of Sheepfolds proposal drawings was held at Tullie House, Carlisle in the summer of 1996 and the exhibition later went to the University of Hertfordshire at St Albans. Whilst Penrith Museum hosted an exhibition of drawings and photographs from July to September 1997.

Sheepfolds is a significant development for Cumbria and is gaining widespread support and recognition. Sixty folds will be completed by 2002.

If you are interested in extra information please contact:

Cumbria County Council,
Community Regeneration Unit,
Arroyo Block,
The Castle,
Carlisle,
Cumbria,
CA3 8UR

Telephone: 01228 607306
Fax: 01228 607299
email:community.regeneration@cumbriacc.gov.uk
www.sheepfolds.org

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