Client: Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild

Overview

Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild Sculpture symposium invited international and nationally recognized artists to the Blackfoot Valley to create significant site-specific works of art that respond to the rich cultural, environmental and industrial heritage of the Valley using contemporary art practice.

Goals

The project provides a building block for the development of a strong long-term arts program that will encourage artistic excellence and community participation thus improving the quality of life in rural Montana. The project goals are to:

· Create an international sculpture park that invites international and national artists to respond to this unique landscape through our artist-in-residency program.
· Create strong partnerships with educational, community and environmental organisations.
· Encourage creative expression through hands-on participation and education within the public schools and the community.
· Provide the framework for the development of a vibrant artist community thus promoting the Blackfoot Valley as an “art destination”.
· Encourage cultural, social and economic vibrancy in the Blackfoot Valley

Process

The sculpture symposium provided an opportunity for artists and the community to actively engage in discussion through hands-on community participation, a primary and secondary school education program, artist’s presentations and on-site visits throughout the residency. Engagement and conversation between the artists and the community created a sense of understanding, pride and ownership of the artwork.

Additional Information

Mission Statement: To provide an environment for the creation of significant artworks, both permanent and temporary, inspired by the rich and diverse cultural, environmental and industrial heritage of the Blackfoot Valley while fostering an awareness and appreciation of the arts through community involvement, education and artist-in-residency programs.