A new piece of artwork showcasing the West Cumbrian coast has been selected for an outdoor site.
Provisionally named ‘Your Daylight Destination’, the winning artwork by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with British writer Robert Macfarlane was developed after a series of exploratory visits in 2021 and 2022.
The design, which is proposed for a site near Silecroft, uses the beach as a stage for an expansive artwork utilising the daily tides, sea water, and light.
The proposal was commissioned as part of a new area-wide art programme for Copeland called Deep Time.
Deep Time launches this summer, and features seven new permanent artworks, a series of new pieces of writing, an artist residency programme, and the landmark artwork programme.
Curated and produced by Aldo Rinaldi, it was commissioned by Copeland Borough Council, using funding from the Government’s coastal communities fund and Sellafield’s six social impact multiplied programme.
Olafur said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to realise this contemplative artwork for Copeland.
“In a sense, it is a humble reflection of what is already there – the beach, the water, the sky, the plants, and animals – reframed within a space that invites self-discovery in a deep-time perspective.”
Elected Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said: “It’s fantastic to see this project move forward, and I’d like to congratulate Olafur and Robert on their bold design – it will bring visitors from far and wide to see a unique and large-scale piece of art in a stunning location.
“We are lucky enough to have breath-taking countryside in Copeland, but public art is another key ingredient in creating attractive places to live.
“The piece will also be a driver for tourism – I am sure people will come here to experience our coast in this unique way, and also discover the delights of this ‘secret’ corner of the county.
“The hope is that local businesses will see a boost from this attraction, and all the other investment we’ve delivered as part of the connecting Cumbria’s hidden coast project.”
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