Head to the Yorkshire Sculpture International for a cultural summer with some of the best in modern art
Yorkshire Sculpture International (YSI) is the UK's largest dedicated sculpture festival, including a series of exhibitions, international commissions, events, as well as learning programmes not seen on a scale anywhere else. You can find sculpture in its broadest forms on display across the internationally renowned venues, the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds Art Gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield and at Yorkshire Sculpture Park - not to mention outdoors across Leeds and Wakefield too. Here are our ten must-sees at the free 100-day festival.
1. THE WORK OF WOLFGANG LAIB
The Hepworth Wakefield's most ambitious exhibition to date across the David Chipperfield-designed gallery spaces. Expect a major new installation by Wolfgang Laib, who only uses raw natural resources in his work. Created with rice and pollen collected by the artist from the fields surrounding his home, Laib explores the life-giving qualities of the materials.
Discover more at hepworthwakefield.org
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2. DAMIEN HIRST AT YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
Don't miss your chance to see four sculptures by Damien Hirst in the incredible setting of the newly revived 18th-century Deer Park. Particularly impressive is the view of Hirst's 10-metre tall The Virgin Mother (2005-2006) that is standing against the backdrop of the Lower Lake, creating an extraordinarily powerful presence in the landscape.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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3. INDEX, A FRINGE FESTIVAL
Index is an exciting collaboration between Leeds and Wakefield based programme producers, pretty much a fringe festival for visitors. It's an ambitious project, but one that is set to celebrate and showcase the visual art being produced locally by individuals, communities, and artist-led groups.
Discover more at indexfestival.org
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4. THE TOURS
Fancy an insider guide? Get some insight and know-how on a free guided tour. Enjoy an useful introduction to the sculptural commissions and their locations. There are plenty to choose from including a Leeds Art Gallery tour, a Hepworth Wakefield visit, Wakefield City Centre and a fascinating special Damien Hirst After Hours Curator Tour.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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5. YSI ASSOCIATE ARTISTS
For the last six months, YSI has been working with five sculptors based in Yorkshire on a programme of mentoring to develop their practice. See the results with the work of Ryoko Akama, Rhian Cooke, Natalie Finnemore, Jill McKnight and Rosanne Robertson. The future of sculpture - you saw it here first.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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6. TEEN DIGITAL TAKEOVER, INSTAGALLERIES
Suitable for young people aged 13-19, the Teen Digital Takeover on August 16 at the Henry Moore Institute is a great way to get the kids embracing something cultural, topical and fun this summer. Get creative with photography to capture the YSI exhibition, then the teens get the chance to share the content online.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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7. TAREK ATOUI'S SHUFFLE ORCHESTRA
Sculpture meets sound. Head to Wakefield Cathedral on 20 July to see the organ that Tarek Atoui has created for a special performance. The organ will be played alongside other instruments that have been on display across the galleries during the festival. Tarek explores the material properties of sound, its connection to the performer, and his interest in the invention of new instruments.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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8. THE SCIENCE OF MAKING SCULPTURE
Fascinated by the actual processes and thoughts that go into creating sculpture and want to learn more? On September 12 at the University of Leeds, this exploratory session will explore the hidden aspects of making large-scale, innovative sculpture. Drawing on engineering and materials science, it will explore the science and engineering that makes sculpture happen.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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9. ARTSPACE ON THE MOVE
For those with families, Artspace on the Move at Leeds Art Gallery on July 31 is a wonderful way of engaging children with art. The aim of the event is to make art inspired by the festival and the family-friendly sessions are suitable for children of all ages. Further sessions available on: Wednesdays August 7, 14, 21, 28.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
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10. THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
On September 20 at Leeds Beckett University, artists, curators, fabricators and educators will reflect on the impact of YSI at the final Symposium. There will be discussions and a chance to see the behind the scenes workings of international exhibitions. Consider the future aspirations for YSI (the second of which is planned in 2023) and the production of sculpture in Yorkshire.
Discover more at yorkshire-sculpture.org
