Schoolchildren from across Norfolk are being given the chance to take part in a special education project running alongside a major art show coming to one of the county's historic halls.
Houghton Hall, near Fakenham, is to host EARTHSKY: Richard Long at Houghton from April 30 until October 27.
The exhibition will present an array of work by the Turner Prize-winning sculptor, and up to 48 schools are being offered the opportunity for pupils to get involved in the BeLong Education Project. BeLong will see young people explore the site-specific works created by Mr Long, the history of Houghton Hall and its permanent art collections.
Led by The Sybil Charitable Trust, the project is funded by a £73,300 Heritage Lottery Fund grant and the Houghton Estate.
Lord Cholmondeley said: 'I am delighted that The Sybil Charitable Trust has been awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fun to run this special schools programme BeLong. My hope is that in time Houghton will become a 'must-see' destination for those interested in contemporary art and sculpture and that local schools will look on the Houghton Sculpture Garden as a valuable resource for learning, inspiration and enjoyment.'
Children's author Kevin Crossley-Holland has been commissioned to write a piece of poetry or prose about each of the pieces of art and this will be part of the resources for schools. As well as offering schools visits and practical workshops at Houghton Hall, BeLong will also have an interactive website.
Project manager Fiona Roberts said BeLong also aimed to encourage families to discover art together. Visiting families will be able to use the sculpture trail map produced for BeLong and each pupil taking part in the school visits will receive a half price voucher to return with their family.
Mr Long is the only artist to have been shortlisted four times for the Turner Prize, including in 1989 when he won the award for his White Water Line sculpture. His sculpture Full Moon Circle has been a permanent attraction at Houghton since 2003, and he has created a number of new works for the exhibition.
Schools can find out more about BeLong at www.BelongAtHoughton.com
EARTHSKY opens on April 30. Visit www.houghtonhall.com
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