'High Tide' at St Peters by Lincolnshire artist Gary Woods

Lincolnshire artist Gary Woods is providing a unique opportunity for people to experience the North Sea tide coming in at a small church on the East Coast of Lincolnshire. Gary has been commissioned to produce a new artwork that demonstrates the importance of churches as focal points for the arts in rurally isolated communities. His response is to create a new film that will be projected on the floor of the nave of St Peters Church, South Somercotes(above), inspired by the areas connection to the sea and salt making.

Gary’s Piece 'High Tide' will be open to the public on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November (see below for details).

“High Tide” is the first of a series of contemporary artworks that will be commissioned over the coming months as part of the ‘Altered’ arts in churches programme. Altered is a partnership initiative between University of Lincoln, artsNK, The Diocese of Lincoln and the Churches Conservation Trust.

“The ‘Altered’ project is about commissioning some great art that tempts people into churches, to enjoy the art and to enjoy the buildings for their artistic and heritage value as well. Gary’s piece ‘High Tide’ at St Peters is a perfect illustration of what we want to do. It is a piece specifically inspired by that place, by the church as a space and the areas connection with salt making. Gary’s proposal to create a digital projection of the east coast tide washing over the nave floor is the sort of innovative art work that we hope will capture people’s imagination, regardless of their age or artistic experience” Nick Jones, artsNK Visual Arts manager.

The Altered programme will continue with a further piece by Rhubarb Theatre and Brickbeat Studios in May 2013 and two new commissions in Heckington. The organisers are keen for anyone interested in seeing arts activity in their churches to come along and find out about their long-term plans.

“This first phase is about demonstrating the value of arts in church initiatives. Phase two is to roll out the programme to new communities and churches, with some funding, advice and support available to build a bigger festival of events that can make a bigger contribution to the county” Ben Stoker, Lincolnshire Open Churches Officer, Diocese of Lincoln.

‘Altered’ has been funded by Arts Council England and Lincolnshire County Council to provide more people with an opportunity to experience great art and develop an arts programme that can improve the quality of life and local economy in the county of Lincolnshire.

When - Exhibition open Saturday 24th November and Sunday 25th November, 2.00pm - 9.00pm

Tickets - Adults £4.00  - Concession £2.00 - Children Free (under 16’s) 

All tickets are available from the box office at the Terry O’Toole Theatre on 01522 883311

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For more information contact:

Nick Jones (artsNK) – 01529 411190 

Ben Stoker (Diocese of Lincoln) – 01522 504049

Chris Heighton (University of Lincoln) – 01522 837030        

Dave Adgar (Churches Conservation Trust) – 07733 108 553