Great Yarmouth launches cultural art trail to boost tourism in England

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The Great Yarmouth Borough Council has initiated the commissioning of 11 public artworks to establish a new outdoor cultural trail within the town. This initiative, funded through a £330,000 Government Town Deal, aims to enrich the visitor experience with sculptures that reflect themes ranging from maritime and medieval history to the heritage of arts, seaside lifestyle, transport, and energy sectors.

Councillor Carl Smith, the council’s leader, expressed enthusiasm for the government funding that facilitated this significant enhancement to the town’s public spaces and tourism attractions. He noted the strong interest from the arts community in contributing to the project and anticipated that the diverse and vibrant selection of sculptures would become cherished assets for both residents and visitors alike.

An additional sculpture has been made possible through £50,000 of Government Future High Streets funding, which will complement the Market Place improvement efforts. Mark Goldsworthy, an artist from Bungay, has been tasked with creating “Yarn with Ernie,” a piece paying homage to the town’s populace and inspired by the late Ernie Childs, a local artist renowned for his maritime-themed paintings. Childs, who was born in Row 73 in 1947, drew inspiration from the town’s fishing industry for his work.

Goldsworthy shared his honor in being selected to craft a sculpture that not only pays tribute to the town’s heritage and its inhabitants but also celebrates the legacy of Childs. He conveyed his hope that the piece would serve as an appropriate homage to the community.

Furthermore, Councillor James Bensley, responsible for tourism, culture, and coastal management at the Great Yarmouth Borough Council, highlighted the trail’s potential to present high-quality public art to both the town’s residents and visitors. He envisioned the trail as an opportunity for people to engage with first-class public art, encouraging exploration and greater understanding of Great Yarmouth.

« Back to Page

• 23rd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival becomes a celebration of music, art, and culture

• New arts leadership program to enhance diversity in museums

• Art fanatic tourists can head to Edwynn Houk Gallery in the USA

• Robot artist’s Ai-Da can appear as threat to tourist destinations

• Lake District Hotel elevates art display with horse sculptures