This oral presentation explores the role of contemporary art practice in opening up the dynamic relationship between people and place. The specific landscape in question is Leigh Woods, a National Trust nature re-serve in Bristol registered with three different conservation designations (NNR, SAC and SSSI). The woods were once a place of pilgrimage for the Bristol School of landscape painters who sought inspiration from Nature. More recently it has become a venue for a series of contemporary art Commissions initiated by Trust New Art, aimed at developing new audiences for National Trust properties.

This presentation focusses on a specific art project developed by the author, commissioned for Leigh Woods in 2013. ‘Autumn’ existed as a series of walking performances - the artist wearing a tailored country-style suit printed with camouflage pattern based on James William Mullers painting ‘Autumn’ from 1833. The route for each walk went from Leigh woods where the original painting was made, to Bristol Museum where the painting now hangs. This action created a physical connection between two sites, (urban and rural) provoking new dialogues and stories. A short film of the same name captures this journey through Bristols rich historical landscape.

What role does art play in constructing landscape identities and values? How can contemporary art engage with people and place, particularly in complex and sensitive sites? Can artistic methods have measurable value, (and if so are they transferable to other places or disciplines?)

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