Art and collections
We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects. Explore the highlights, our latest major exhibitions, curatorial research and more.
Trust New Art exhibitions and events
Launched in 2009, Trust New Art connects people to nature, beauty and history through contemporary arts. Discover the exhibitions and events that are happening at the places in our care, and find out how to get involved with future Trust New Art projects.
About Trust New Art
Many of the places we look after were built with creativity at their heart. Since 2009, Trust New Art has been continuing this important creative legacy by commissioning contemporary arts at the places we look after – from crafts to architecture and performance to immersive installations.
So far, we’ve worked with more than 300 artists to present new work that's taken visitors to unexplored areas, revealed hidden stories and helped people to see these places in different ways.
What's on in 2024
Echoes from the Aviary
Tyntesfield, Bristol
Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of spring. This audio-visual installation in the aviary at Tyntesfield has been co-created by artists Oshii and Jono Gilmurray with local young people from Hartcliffe in response to the history of the building, its former owner and the bird life that once existed here.
Echoes from the Aviary is a collaboration between the National Trust and Heart of BS13 and is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
4 May to 31 July 2024
Visit Echoes from the Aviary at Tyntesfield
Conflict, We Can Do Better
Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry
Discover how the legacy of conflict affects young people’s lives today through this visual artwork and augmented reality app. The exterior of Downhill House will become a giant canvas for Joe Caslin’s large-scale, monochrome artwork. Like all his pieces, the materials are biodegradable and will eventually wash away.
Conflict, We Can Do Better is a collaborative project between Nerve Centre, Joe Caslin and the Kindred Collective. Supported by IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund.
From 17 May
Visit We Can Do Better at Downhill
Sunshine on the Fallen Tree
Tyntesfield, Bristol
Bathe under flickering light beneath the canopy of Ash trees at Tyntesfield, felled due to ash dieback. This sculpture and sound composition by Pif-Paf takes you through memories of the tree and invites you to reflect on the decline of this species and its future in the face of climate change.
25 May to 1 July 2024
Visit Sunshine on the Fallen Tree at Tyntesfield
A Tiger in the Castle
Powis Castle, Powys
Discover a new exhibition by award winning Welsh artist Daniel Trivedy, responding to Powis Castle’s colonial connection to India. The exhibition features a series of photographic images, a video of a performance shot inside the castle and grounds and a filmed interview with the artist. A poetic response by Lauren Craig unpacks deeper meanings behind the artist’s performance.
24 February to 31 May 2024
Visit a Tiger in the Castle at Powis
Blossomise
Online
Get into the spirit of the blossom season with a selection of poems from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage’s new book, Blossomise, alongside illustrations from the book by celebrated artist Angela Harding
Discover poems from Blossomise
As part of the Blossomise project, Simon Armitage and his band LYR have produced five new songs. Watch all the music videos here, and the ‘making of’ video that takes a look behind the scenes.
Permanent Works
Nothing Exists Alone
Wallington, Northumberland
Installed next to Trout Bridge on Wallington's River Walk, Nothing Exists Alone is a contemporary steel piece that depicts wolves running through the trees. It was created by INSTAR (comprised of artists Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys), who produce contemporary work with deeper connections to the natural world.
Permanent
Visit Nothing Exists Alone at Wallington
Writ in Water
Runnymede, Surrey
At Runnymede over 800 years ago, the feudal barons forced King John to seal the Magna Carta. Now, Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with architectural practice Studio Octopi, has created a tranquil space that gives visitors the chance to consider the ongoing significance and influences of this historic agreement.
Commissioned in association with Situations.
Permanent
Visit Writ in Water at Runnymede
The Jurors
Runnymede, Surrey
Take a seat in this ancient landscape, where the Magna Carta was signed over 800 years ago. Hew Locke’s 12 bronze jurors’ chairs invite you to reflect on the histories and issues on display, and to debate the meaning of justice.
Permanent
The Artificial Sunshine
The Argory, County Armagh
This striking neon-light installation, designed by Northern Irish artist Kevin Killen, places a bespoke contemporary display inside an historic house. Inspired by the glow of the acetylene gas flame that lit The Argory, The Artificial Sunshine delivers an entirely modern take on this celebrated form of lighting.
Permanent
Get involved with Trust New Art
There are many ways to get involved with Trust New Art, from working with us as an artist to volunteering at one of the places in our care.
The Trust New Art programme is planned up to four years in advance, and projects can be initiated by our own teams, or through collaborations with museums, galleries, universities and professional organisations. The majority of our commissions are selected through an open-call process, and we advertise these through our website and social media feeds, as well as on Arts Jobs, which is Arts Council England’s opportunities board.
Sign up to our mailing list to receive information about future opportunities.
Due to the large volume of proposals received, we can only follow up in exceptional circumstances and are not able to return unsolicited material.
To get in touch, email creativecommissioning@nationaltrust.org.uk.
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