A preview screening of Sam Williams' new film Common Ground, commissioned to mark forty years since the beginning of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail. Followed by a conversation between Sam Williams, Sarah Bowden (Chair of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust), and Rupert Martin (co-founder of the Sculpture Trail).

In 2024 the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust commissioned artist/filmmaker Sam Williams to create a short film to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first conversations with artists at the site, whose proposals became the Sculpture Trail. Sam’s film delves into the history of the Trail, offering insights into the conversations between the early artists who created its first sculptures.

Founded in 1986, initially as a collaboration between the Forestry Commission and Arnolfini, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a partnership between Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust. Some of the sculptures are temporary, while others will last for years. Constructed mostly from natural materials from the Dean, the sculptures have all been designed to evolve over time as the forest changes around them. Over the years, artists at all stages of their careers have been invited to create artworks for this unique context, including David Nash, Cornelia Parker, Erika Tan, and Khady Gueye with Zakiya McKenzie.

Common Ground will be shown in the Arnolfini Theatre 13 - 15 June, 11am-6pm.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less