Are you Lost? is the exciting new commission that Lancaster Arts has been producing with artist,Rob St John alongside the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. It is part of the national programme Nature Calling.
Over summer 2025 we welcomed you into the heart of the Forest of Bowland to discover the stories that shape the landscape, from the people who live close by, through a series of sound, film and textile installations.
The installation will be on display for one final time in the Peter Scott Gallery at Lancaster University from 2-17 October 2025. In addition, it will be exhibted at the British Textile Biennial at Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford from 2 October-2 November 2025.
Immerse yourself in the sounds, sights and fabric of Bowland, as you step inside the installation, created by Rob and textile artist Kate O'Farrell, to understand what makes the area tick. Uncover the histories and personal stories of Bowland, delve deeper into your understanding of what the area represents and consider your own thoughts on this landscape and its social, and political heritage and future.
The artwork opened to the public for the first time at Pendle Festival of Culture on 28 June in partnership with Building Bridges, in Nelson town centre on the outskirts of the Forest of Bowland. The official launch of Are You Lost? then saw the installation situated in Jinny's Barn on 2-3 August before the finale in Gisburn Forest on the weekend of 30-31 August. Each installation was surrounded by a host of additional, free activity for all ages, including artist workshops, singing, guided walks and hosted conversations.
Podcasts
The Are You Lost? podcast series is hosted by Rob St. John and gives more insights into how the artwork is being developed. The first few episodes are now available, the first is an introduction to the project, where you can hear all about the inspiration behind the project and what is aiming to do. You can listen on Spotify here, and stay tuned for more monthly episodes about art, nature, community and countryside access with a variety of guests.
Nature Calling is executive produced by Activate Performing Arts and the National Landscapes Association and is funded by Arts Council England and Defra.
Mailing List & Contact Us
We hope that the Are You Lost? project will be as diverse and captivating as Bowland itself so please join us to be part of shaping it. Sign up to the mailing list for updates and share your ideas and questions via areyoulost@lancasterarts.org.
