Are you Lost? is the exciting new commission by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, produced by Lancaster Arts with artist, Rob St John .
Are You Lost? is part of the national programme called Nature Calling with executive producers Activate Performing Arts and the National Landscapes Association and is funded by Arts Council England and Defra.
Are You Lost? welcomes you into the heart of the Forest of Bowland to discover the stories that shape the landscape, from the people who live close by, through a series of sound, film and textile installations.
The artwork will open to the public for the first time at Pendle Festival of Culture on 28 June in partnership with Building Bridges, in Nelson town centre on the outskirts of the Forest of Bowland. It will then travel to Dunsop Bridge on the weekend of 2-3 August, where it will be situated in Jinny’s Barn. The final location for the installation will be in the heart of Gisburn Forest on 30-31 August, over a weekend that will feature artist workshops and a singing performance. Sign up to the mailing list via the form on Lancaster Arts website, to be kept up to date about all the latest activity.
Immerse yourself in the sounds, sights and fabric of this remarkable landscape, as you step inside the installation to understand what makes the area tick. Uncover the histories and personal stories of Bowland, delve deeper into your understanding of what the area represents and consider your own thoughts on this landscape and its social, and political heritage and future.
Podcasts
The Are You Lost? podcast series is hosted by Rob St. John and gives more insights into how the artwork is being developed. The first few episodes are now available, the first is an introduction to the project, where you can hear all about the inspiration behind the project and what is aiming to do.
Keep an eye on our socials as we announce developments with the project during 2025.
Partner Links:
- Lancaster Arts
Facebook: lancasterartsuk
Instagram: Lancasterartsuk
X: Lancasterarts
- Nature Calling
Facebook: naturecalling2025
Instagram: NatureCalling25
X: naturecalling25
Nature Calling is led by the National Landscape Associationand executive creative producers Activate Performing Arts. Poetry Schoolare supporting the work nationally, and geographically spread National Landscapes will operate as key hubs of activity including Mendip Hills, Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, and Surrey Hills. You can read more about this and the other written artists new work here: www.naturecalling.org.uk/
The first phase of Nature Calling, during autumn 2024, involved the creation of a 'spoken word' piece by OneDa - CONNECTIONS - see film below of the final piece.