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An exhibition celebrating the enduring legacy of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is to be fully funded by the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland with a substantial amount coming from outside the region through the Foundation’s North East Roots Fund.
The iconic Sycamore Gap tree was deliberately felled in an act of vandalism last September. The Northumberland National Park recently announced that its trunk section, the largest rescued part of the felled tree, will find a new permanent home on public display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Now, thanks to support from the Community Foundation, the National Park is putting out a call to creatives to envision an exhibition to act as a fitting legacy for the much-missed tree.
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation, said:
“Like so many others, all of us at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland were shocked and saddened by the felling of the Sycamore gap tree. Our trustees immediately wanted to offer backing for any initiative that would recognise and build a legacy for what had been lost. Investment in culture, education and environmental awareness are key areas where philanthropic support can make a difference. So, we are delighted to be fully funding this exhibition and creative commission working with the Northumberland National Park Authority.”
Fittingly – 50% of the significant grant of £50,000 from the Community Foundation has been made through its North East Roots Fund. Launched in July 2023, The Fund was set up to strengthen communities with the support of those who share a special passion for the region.
Rob Williamson added:
“One of the aims of the North East Roots Fund is to protect and nurture the region’s incredible heritage, environment and culture for generations to come. The legacy of this project will do just that.”
The commission will be in two phases, an anniversary exhibition and a permanent setting for the trunk at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre which was chosen as the site to display the trunk as it was known as the gateway to Sycamore Gap. It was also suggested as a venue for a legacy by the public responses and is the closest visitor centre. Its proximity to the site is what Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, hopes will provide people with a lasting connection to the tree.
The commission document can be viewed here: Artist Commission document
More information on the North East Roots Fund can be found at www.communityfoundation.org.uk/northeastroots
Image courtesy of Future Pasts project by artist Henna Asikainen. Produced by D6: Culture in Transit and supported by the Community Foundation. Photo credit: Simone J Rudolphi