Established in 2006 and still going strong

In 2006 Southern Forest Arts ( a not for profit community cultural group based in Northcliffe in WA’s South West region) launched the Southern Forests Sculpture Trail.

Re-named the Understory Art in Nature in 2008, the trail is Australia’s leading ‘art in nature’ experience.

I coordinated the design and implementation of this unique cultural tourism attraction between 2004-06 and have been the Artistic Director / General Manager ever since.

Artworks are located along a 1.2km walk trail through pristine native forest. Sculptures, stories, poetry and music explore our relationship with nature and the 'spirit of place'.

Over 50 nationally and internationally renowned creative professionals have participated in the project since first established in November 2006. New artworks are added regularly to ensure there is always something fresh for visitors to experience.

New works are added to the attraction each year.

www.understory.com.au

From little things big things grow…

Understory is a truly 'grass roots' community initiative. It is managed by Southern Forest Arts, a not-for-profit community cultural organisation.

The Understory journey from conception to birth took many years. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but it was worth the effort.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Local artist, Fiona Sinclair, conceived the original idea for a 'sculpture walk' around the turn of the millenium when working with fellow artist, Peter Hill (and other WA artists) in the creation of 'site-specific' ephemeral installations in threatened forest coupes in the South West as part of the conservation movement.

These temporary 'exhibitions' were promoted widely, with visitors travelling from regional & metro areas to view works.

"I saw how much the general public loved seeing art in nature and as an artist it was so great to have the opportunity to respond directly to the environment. I had the notion that 'someday' in the future I would try to make something more permanent for our community as a way of celebrating these glorious forests and to help support and diversify the local economy through the expansion of tourism," said Ms Sinclair.

The seed of that idea was planted and watered discreetly over the following years until a funding opportunity arose in 2004 that seemed perfect for the project. This was the catalyst for action.

A committee of like-minded individuals was formed (Southern Forest Arts) that worked hard over the next two and half years to raise over $600,000 from local, state and federal governments as well as philanthropic groups and independent funding bodies.

Mentors were engaged to advise the committee and oversee the selection of sculptors, writers and musicians through a rigorous evaluation process.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Actively engaging the local community has always been a core value of Southern Forest Arts.

During the early years of planning the community was consulted frequently, resulting in considerable input into the organic and evolving nature of the project.

For example, the original concept focused solely upon sculpture, however the local music teacher suggested at one of the Community Forums held during 2005 that a music component also be included. Several local writers then suggested that stories and poetry could also add to the mix.

Many of the artwork commissions stipulated that there need be some level of community participation.

OPENING CELEBRATIONS

Understory was officially opened by the Hon. Geoff Prosser (MP) and the Hon. Paul Omodei (MLA) on the 25th November 2006 as part of the inaugural Southern Forest Arts Festival.

The event was attended by approximately a thousand people from across the South West and Perth.

A range of artists, writers and musicians performed and/or spoke about their work.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Understory has impacted postively upon the Northcliffe community by encouraging increased tourism to the town. Several thousand visitors enjoy the experience each year - with numbers continuing to rise regularly.

Three quarters of Understory visitors indicate that visiting the attraction was the main or only reason for visiting Northcliffe. In a town of 200 people (700 in the district) this is significant.

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

(Albert Einstein)

FROM INSPIRATION TO CREATION

All Understory artists, writers and musicians spend time in Northcliffe developing artworks that are 'site-specific'. Sources of inspiration and methods of creation are as diverse as the artists themselves.

Themes they are asked to consider include:

• SPIRITUALITY - sacredness, sanctuary, forest as cathedral, meditation, mystery...

• CREATIVITY - fertility, energy, life cycles, renewal, beauty, inspiration...

• HISTORY - geological, ecological and human (from early Indigenous to contemporary)...

• DICHOTOMY - contrasts of nature (light and drak, growth and decay) diversity, paradox...

• SENSORY - the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch of the forest...

The potential for inspiration from each and every place is infinite.