Temporary public artwork on Hadrian's Wall has run…

Temporary public artwork on Hadrian's Wall has run extended for another two weeks

A temporary public artwork installed on Hadrian's Wall as part of the 1900 festival has had its run extended for an extra two weeks.

APERTURA, which is currently standing at Walltown Country Park in Northumberland National Park was due to be taken down on Sunday October 2. However, its run has been extended until Sunday, October 16, meaning there's still time to go and visit if you haven't managed to yet.

The 'sonic sculpture' is made up of 1,900 suspended copper windchimes which make music that constantly changes depending on the weather. Once the sculpture is dismantled, the chimes will be given out to local schools and community groups as a memento of the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival legacy, with 2022 marking 1,900 years since the construction of the wall.

The artists who created it; Ed Carter, Nicky Kirk, and Tony Broomhead aimed to create a "haunting soundscape" and offer a new viewpoint on the popular section of Hadrian's Wall at Walltown County Park. It was also intended to open conversations about Hadrian's Wall as a cultural bridge on local, regional, national and international levels.

Maddie Maughan from HW1900 Festival said: "APERTURA has been a huge hit with locals and visitors to the area since it opened on September the 10^th with thousands of visitors making the journey to experience its impressive and contemplative visual and sonic presence within the dramatic landscape of Walltown Country Park. As one of Hadrian’s Wall 1900 festivals key stone events were so pleased it’s made such an impact and had such a positive response and we’ve received daily requests to keep it open longer."

Ellie Turner, also from the HW1900 Festival added: "We've been working behind the scenes to be able to respond to those requests and we want to give even more people an opportunity to come to and experience this unique artwork in the beautiful Northumberland National Park landscape. Were also now able to hang the beautiful sails created through engagement with local people which will add peoples creative contributions a new look to the piece."

Lady Jane Gibson, Chair of the Hadrian's Wall Partnership, said: "APERTURA is an artwork that interprets this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site within a contemporary context, the location providing a monumental platform to shape a cultural dialogue about togetherness, dialogue, and commonality. We can't wait to invite visitors from around the world to come and celebrate this special event."

Have you been to visit APERTURA yet? Let us know what you think of it in the comments!

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