Reflections on the New Forest Residency 2021

The 2021 Work Show Grow art residency in the New Forest allowed for social connection after a difficult year of COVID 19 lockdowns and constant uncertainty. By bringing together artists from all over the world the community aspect of the residency provided space to reconnect and socialise. We enjoyed gala-style lunches, evening drinks, and a celebratory pub dinner on our last night. 

Last year’s residency was hosted against the beautiful backdrop of the New Forest in the UK. Many of the activities involved being fully immersed in nature including forest bathing and leisurely strolls through the Black Water Arboretum. Artists were invited to relax and be inspired by the lush forests and local wildlife. 

As part of the New Forest WSG residency artists created works of art in collaboration with others from around the world. Inspired by the Mail Art movement from the 1960’s messages from the New Forest including instructions, objects, drawings, and photographs were posted around the world. These were then altered, added to, or developed by a second and third artist located globally from New Zealand to San Francisco. The final artworks were then later exhibited in the New Forest Museum and Heritage Centre as part of the Despatch exhibition. 

The WSG residency provided the opportunity for artists to access a unique museum and heritage collection including historical maps, books, artifacts, and objects. This collection tells the lesser-known stories of the New Forest from famous residents to myths of witches. The distinctive objects held in this collection were used as a source of inspiration for the art-making process. 

Sustainability is a key concern for Work Show Grow and is taken into consideration for all aspects of the residency. All of the delicious food from the New Forest WSG residency was locally sourced from the New Forest and the homemade vegan meals were created by our onsite resident chef. 

Guest experts were invited to share workshops and artist talks during our New Forest WSG residency. Ricardo Leon  held a fun interactive workshop dedicated to play, inviting artists to let loose and reconnect with their inner child. With giant bubbles and balloon activities, Ricardo’s workshop created space for creativity and fun. Laura Eldret from More than Ponies also gave an inspiring Artist Talk in our communal learning space sharing the brilliant work of the collective as well as projects that have been created in collaboration with the New Forest. 

The Work Show Grow residency in the New Forest allowed artists to experiment with new ideas, think outside the box, and work collaboratively to create works of art that were later exhibited in the New Forest Museum and Heritage Centre. The historical town and rejuvenating landscape provided a serene location to reconnect with creative practice.