About Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative

Rural Regeneration through the Arts

Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency which includes Shropshire, has identified the development of high-quality niche visitor attractions as a significant opportunity for the area. Such development, as proposed, will support the local economy and particularly tourism related businesses, shops, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, canal and leisure related businesses, pubs and cafes thus also supporting local employment opportunities. This project clearly supports both local and regional development policy.

The project will have a positive impact on cultural life in rural North Shropshire, an area with poor cultural infrastructure. Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative is currently working with North Shropshire District Council on a series of interpretation panels for the town; this pilot will link with The ‘Meres Interpretation Strategy’, and ‘Ellesmere Tourism Strategy’. The location of the sculpture clusters will be in the agreed ‘hot spots identified by through a consultation by Ellesmere Tourism Group. These sites form the basis of an interpretation map, which will be used on all visitor promotion. The sites identify the key geological and historical points of interest and form a route from Mere to canal and the town.

Interpretation

2008 ESI is working with NSDC to deliver 6 interpretive Waymarkers as part of an integrated interpretation of the key sites of historical/cultural interest in Ellesmere, The Warf, Thomas Telfords Warhouse, Canal, Castle Mound, The Mere and the Town Centre. ESI is responsible for project mangement, the commissioning of artists, and delivery of mobile phone accessible sound interpretation, with community involvement.