Creatively Connected
Creatively Connected (2024-25) was an enquiry-based arts programme led by North Pennines National Landscape working with Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, and produced by Northern Heartlands. It was funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England
Wild Museum was commissioned to work with the Creatively Connected artist team, Tees Swale: Naturally Connected staff, and collaborate with farmers and communities across Swaledale. Our arts-led process inspired wider public engagement with high nature value farming, influenced attitudes towards land reuse, and explored notions of countryside, farming and rurality.
Our process blended sound walks, field recording, reused archives audio, 24/7 broadcasts from the landscape, as well audio and photography collected by Swaledale sheep. The project culminated in a public events programme at working farms, rural villages, hay meadows and post-industrial fell tops.
Artist/producers: John Coburn and Tim Shaw
The Swale is the fastest flowing river in the UK and can rise 3m in 20 minutes. From its source at Birkdale Beck, it flows 73 miles through mainly agricultural land til it joins the River Ure at the Vale of York.
From fell tops to river basins, we collaborated with farmers, conservationists, heritage professionals and Swaledale residents to deliver a programme of sound installations and making workshops along the Swale.
