New ‘one in million’ artwork revealed at Danbury Country Park
Essex County Council’s Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Green Spaces Service has today revealed that the ‘Infinity Forest’ artwork, created by INSTAR, is now open for the public to visit at Danbury Country Park.
“We are delighted with INSTAR and their ‘Infinity Forest’ artwork and we hope that many people visit Danbury Country Park and take time to enjoy and appreciate what is a unique installation.” – Sam Kennedy, Essex County Council Director of Environment and Climate Action
The three-metre-tall, upright ‘kaleidoscope’ of reflective surfaces surrounds a Scots Pine tree sapling to create an internal ‘Infinity Forest’.
Visitors to the park are being encouraged to view the ‘one in a million’ sapling by using the observation holes to gain a unique perspective of the Scots Pine inside.
The sapling was planted last month to help it establish itself ahead of the full installation.
“This artwork, which was awarded the Explore Essex Arts Commission, epitomises the values and role of the Essex Forest Initiative. Not only will it provide a lasting legacy for visitors, but it also highlights the importance of creating and maintaining green infrastructure.” – Sam Kennedy, Essex County Council Director of Environment and Climate Action
The installation aims to connect people with the natural world through contemporary art, while also spotlighting the role trees play in helping to combat climate change.
ECC has pledged to plant 375,000 trees by 2025 – part of a wider partnership to plant over one million trees in the county – to help combat climate change.
“We are extremely pleased with the ‘Infinity Forest’ and we hope that it inspires visitors to want to discover more about the Essex Forest Initiative as well as the wider environment.
“Trees are vital for biodiversity, preventing flooding and providing a habitat for wildlife, which is why we hope that the ‘Infinity Forest’ encourages people to gain a greater understanding of the value of them and the environment in general.” – Arts partnership, INSTAR statement
INSTAR have created a series of digital packs – featuring a range of tree inspired artistic activities – which are available for local schools, community groups and visitors to download for free from the Explore Essex website.
As part of the packs, Explore Essex is asking people to share their art to be in with a chance to win a summer hamper worth £100 by posting their images onto social media or by emailing Explore Essex.
More information about INSTAR’s ‘Infinity Forest’ and the downloadable activity packs
Pictured Top: L-R: Nick Humphreys, Trish Evans and Andrew Ward, ECC Fundraising and Project Leaders
