‘Nature and I are Two’

Abstract

The essay tells of a unique project — the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World — whose vision is to help society better understand its diverse relationship with nature through the arts. It has three chief aims: to develop new understanding through the work of contemporary artists which explores the social, environmental and scientific issues involved, to create new art and art practice by supporting artists to respond to the wider historical and cultural constructions of ‘nature’ and increase public access by breaking down barriers to their engagement. To achieve these aims, a new wing will replace the later, burnt-out parts of Poltimore House and the sixteenth- and eighteenth-century buildings will be restored to create a unique grouping of galleries, project and education spaces, set in extensive grounds.