Nottingham theatre company Nonsuch and independent organisation The Toy Library have been awarded £97,500 by Arts Council England to deliver a new programme of outdoor arts, Wonder Woods.
Taking over community woodland Barkers Wood in Bulwell, Nottingham for 12 months, Wonder Woods will create an “innovative and inclusive” multi-arts programme that will bring together festivals, community events, national and international artists and create a new outdoor cultural space for all.
Izzy Bradley from Nonsuch said, “we have huge aspirations for this project which will see Barkers Wood transformed into an immersive arts destination for not just local families, communities of Bulwell and Nottingham but audiences across the region and the UK.
“Wonder Woods is a step change for Nonsuch, an incredible opportunity to elevate our work, develop a new creative programme and bring our unique vision for cultural experiences to audiences on a larger yet local scale.
“Wonder Woods will also enable us to expand our artist-led approach through partnerships to co-create and commission new outdoor work as well as building opportunities for artist development and our vast educational programme.”
Peter Knott, area director for Arts Council England, commented, “we’re pleased that our funding from the National Lottery is going to enable more people in Bulwell and beyond to access and be inspired by extraordinary arts and culture as the community woodlands comes alive with creativity.”
Over the coming year, Wonder Woods will deliver a wide-ranging and diverse cultural programme in the woodlands including major outdoor theatre commissions, seasonal festivals and drama workshops.