The Arc

Winning Artist Reveals Her Vision For Wokingham’s Carnival Hub

After a fiercely contested selection process local charity, Arts4Wokingham, has now chosen the winning artist whose work will enjoy a significant position outside Wokingham’s new Carnival Hub. Over 60 distinguished and internationally acclaimed artists expressed an interest in securing this major commission. Arts4Wokingham whittled these down to a shortlist of just 5 who were then invited to submit their proposals and outline their concepts. A key part of the process sought to establish how the artists would develop their ideas and secure as much involvement from the local community as possible. Arts4Wokingham had a tough challenge coming up with the winner but, after much deliberation, they finally offered the job to award winning and Hertfordshire based artist, Nicola Anthony.

Nicola is perhaps best known for her metal text sculptures that incorporate meaningful cut out words and phrases into a variety of metal structures. A recent commission in the United States was initiated by Steven Spielberg who unveiled Nicola’s finished work in person. Nicola Anthony’s vision for The Carnival Hub work involves a number of arches which combine to offer a pathway both into and out of the building itself. The final design and incorporated text will be the subject of ongoing community consultation and involvement. Some of the more accessible text will be in braille since Nicola is keen that her work should be as inclusive as possible. She is absolutely delighted to have topped the shortlist and is relishing the challenge ahead.

‘I’m thrilled that I’ve been selected to create this major new landmark work of art for Wokingham. I can’t wait to embrace the local community and secure their input into helping me shape my initial ideas into something that is both relevant and meaningful to all those who live in the borough.’

Arts4Wokingham is very much looking forward to working with Nicola as she progresses and refines her design in the coming months.

Press Release 10/02/2022

We are now in the process of sourcing funding for our landmark project which aims to locate a major and significant sculptural work outside Wokingham’s new sports, leisure and cultural complex, The Carnival Hub. The award winning artist, Nicola Anthony, has been chosen to produce the work. Please click the ‘Donate Now’ button below to make a one-off donation, this goes directly to Arts4Wokingham.