More than 19,000 people have visited Crawick Multiverse since its unveiling – and this cosmic artland is preparing to welcome many more as the 2017 visitor season kicks off.
Set to open for the 2017 season on 1st April, the Dumfries and Galloway attraction – the brainchild of the world-famous Charles Jencks – opened in summer 2015 and has steadily grown in popularity as word has spread about the unique site. It is fast becoming one of the must-see local visitor destinations and in turn, is attracting a wider arts, science and family audience to the area.
Last year the artland was particularly popular with Crawick Multiverse celebrating its first birthday in style with an incredible summer solstice celebration.
Charles Jencks unveiled a new installation, a stunning mosaic situated in the centre of the site’s amphitheatre, at the event which celebrated art and science. Alex Rigg and his acclaimed theatrical dance company Oceanallover put on an unforgettable performance while some of the greatest minds in science marked the milestone with a symposium held in nearby Sanquhar.
Other 2016 highlights included a Remembrance Day event which brought together hundreds of local school pupils for an art project and tribute. Led by site manager Ian Bell, they created a beautiful display of 400 hand-made poppies and created their own temporary installation on one of Crawick Mulitiverse’s iconic ‘galaxy mounds’.
Group visits have attracted thousands of people to-date, and the 2017 calendar is already filling up with bookings.
Crawick Multiverse is rich with educational opportunities and it has also welcomed countless school pupils for tours and workshops. Topics covered have included art, nature, leadership, safety, survival and building.
Duncan Mackison, chief operations officer at Buccleuch Estates, said: “Crawick Multiverse is truly unique and is attracting such a diverse group of visitors from home and abroad. We have welcomed people with an interest in the arts and science, photographers, families, walkers, school pupils, college and university students – the list is endless.
“We are sure that 2017 will bring many more and we have lots of exciting plans this year. Arrangements are already underway for this year’s summer solstice celebration and there will be some new additions to the site. All will be revealed in the coming months so watch this space!”
The uniqueness of the site has appealed to audiences from all over to Dumfries and Galloway which is a real boost to the local economy. To highlight this, visitors to Crawick Multiverse are entitled to a 10% discount on entry to Drumlanrig Castle.