Work starts on giant sculptures in Sperrins

A MAJOR new tourism initiative is underway in the Sperrins which will see three giant sculptures erected in the coming months.

Site preparation work is progressing at the three locations – Davagh Forest, Cranagh and Mullaghcarn – that will host the iconic and unique art pieces being created by world acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo and which will be unveiled to the public later this year.

The installations are part of the exciting Giant of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail being rolled out by Derry City & Strabane District Council in partnership with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council, in this popular area of natural beauty in an effort to drive rural tourism and invest in the local natural and built heritage.

Last year, Copenhagen based artist Thomas Dambo and the design and construction consultancy team McGurk Architects were appointed to take forward the development and installation works for this exciting Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture project that will showcase the epic stories associated with the Sperrins, the inspirational nature of the landscape, and the giant spirit and welcome of its people.

Chair of Mid Ulster Council Cllr Paul McLean spoke of the growing excitement.

“The creation of this new sculpture trail will link three different parts of the Sperrins, enhancing the overall appeal of this region as a visitor destination showcasing its rich natural heritage while continuing to preserve the natural landscape and assets for our rural communities,” he said.

“Anticipation is building for the big reveal when the sculptures will all be unveiled, each one telling a story of the Sperrins and I look forward to this next stage when an iconic piece of public art will be installed and add another dimension to the visitor experience at Davagh Forest.”

DAERA Minister, Edwin Poots said, “I am pleased at this giant step forward that the Rural Development Programme 2014-20 Rural Tourism Scheme is enabling the creation of this flagship tourism project which will encourage visitors to the Sperrins.”

The Sperrins Sculpture Trail is delivered through the Rural Tourism Scheme as part of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 with funding support of over £1.32m from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) with match funding totalling £568k from the partner Councils.

The councils have said that a key element of the project is the “secrecy and suspense behind it and that the fact that the final designs will remain under wraps until they are unveiled to the public at project completion later this year”.