Wednesday 26 July – Sunday 13 Aug, 10am - 4pm (12-4pm Sundays 30 July & 6 Aug, 1-4pm Sunday 13 Aug)
We are super excited to announce Gaia, by the artist Luke Jerram, is coming to Southwell Minster in summer 2023.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface*. The artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three-dimensions, like never before.
The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
The artwork also acts as a mirror to major events in society. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the artwork may provide the viewer with a new perspective of our place on the planet; a sense that societies of the Earth are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility toward one another. After the lockdown, there has been a renewed respect for nature.
A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture. In Greek Mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth.
*The imagery for the artwork has been compiled from Visible Earth series, NASA.
Friday 28 July (10am-3pm) is our special Family Fun Day: Planet Earth which includes child-friendly, interactive talks from ‘The Average Scientist’ (at 10.15am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm) as well as drop-in crafts, games and activities for all the family including 'have-a-go' harp sessions with professional harp teach Cat Alexander! Why not bring a picnic to have in our garden? Refreshments available. There'll also be a special family art workshop with artist Elaine Winter - click here for further details.
On Saturday 5 August, we'll also be having a series of special FREE talks by 'The Average Scientist.' How old is our planet? Where did it come from? What were the forces and physics at work to create it, and why is it spherical? What does the future hold for our planet and how are we able to protect it? An adult level presentation suitable for children 8+. To book FREE tickets, please click here.
Wednesday 9 August (4.30-5.15pm) sees a short but inspirational evening of poetry and music - includes refreshments. Booking required - click here for more
Gaia Opening Times
Most days will open 10am-4pm, but:
The opening night (Wednesday 26 July) will be a special launch night, open for one hour only, 6.30-7.30pm. Includes a bar
The other Wednesdays (2 and 9 August) will open 10am-4pm AND 6.30-9.30pm. Includes a bar
Sundays 30 July and 6 August will open 12-4pm
Sunday 13 August will open 1-4pm
Tickets
Tickets cost just £3 (£2 U16s/NUS, under 5s are free) other than:
Launch night (26 July) tickets cost £10 (under 5s free) which include a complimentary glass of prosecco (over 18s only) or soft drink upon arrival,
and £5 (under 5s free) for the Wednesday evening sessions on 2 and 9 August.
Tickets can be booked online or you can pay on the door.
Tickets for the opening night on Wednesday 26 July can be found by clicking here.
Tickets for the other Wednesday evening sessions on 2 and 9 August can be found by clicking here.
Tickets for all other sessions are available now by clicking here or from the bottom of this page.
AND - there'll also be numerous events linked to Gaia during the installation period including an evening with Kate Bottley (Fri 4 Aug, includes a bar), a photography exhibition and the return of our microscopic beasts gallery.
Earth viewed at Liverpool Cathedral
Image by Gareth Jones
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. Jerram has a set of different narratives that make up his practice which are developing in parallel with one another. He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks.
Created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot and The UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partners Culture Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral.