The Call Of The Wild

A place where art and nature meet- sometimes in harmony, sometimes in contrast- but always in a way that provokes a powerful reaction.

By day, stroll among the shade of leaves and dappled light with wandering minstrels where giant surreal sculptures pulsate, a life size Fairy Tale Cottage awaits and magical tales are spun.  Get stuck into wood craft activities and much, much more.

Under the cloak of nightfall things get a lot stranger.  Be prepared to embark on a journey of surreal soundscapes and be wary of strange extinct creatures reappearing in shady corners such as the Fractopus and the Octorgon- a homage to early vintage experimental light shows, using a blend of shadow puppets, kinetic projectors and a fabulous psychedelic piano.

The Peacocks 100 Eyes is an interactive artwork created by Rowan Powell portraying the tale of how the peacock was given his one hundred eyes in a series of installations that wind their way along the forest paths.  A journey that can to be enjoyed by all ages.

A Bridge Over Troubled Waters and the Saloon In The Sky are two installations brought to Shambala by the artists Pete Fleming, Joe McElroy and Mat Scannell who collectively work together under the name of ‘Alloneword'.  A Bridge Over Troubled Waters takes its inspiration from the 1989 film Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure and the two protagonist's final conclusion- "to be excellent to each other."  Saloon In The Sky appears like the entrance to a spaghetti-Valhalla or an ungraspable mirage.  These works explore ideas around communication, technology, consumerism and the "post-" world in which we live or may come to live.

New this year is The Woodland Stage, a new AV platform set within the tree canopy with an eclectic mix of live acoustic soloists to assist with the woodlands transition from its natural daytime state, through to the more experimental and digital arts based night time sessions.  The stage is designed to provide the sound track to the forest and will stretch out amongst the woods and its various installations.  Expect the unexpected, ambient, glitch, experimental, electronica, drones, sound-waves fluttering in the forest, static frequencies, live performances, spontaneous happenings, acoustic liaisons and general creative oddness.

We are proud to host the JIGANTICS in the woods this year, an arts based company run by Jig Cochrane producing giant illuminated figures and artworks. Jig and his company have worked all over the world with arts organisations encouraging positive change to heal community spirit. From refugee camps and towns in Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, The West Bank and Kosovo though Rise Phoenix during the Balkan wars, through kids homes schools and orphanages in the slums of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, into rescue centres for street kids in Rio.

Over the past few years JIGANTICS has been involved in high profile commissions for major events and International functions. Producing Giant sculptures, street puppets, hanging illuminated figures and spectacular lanterns. This work helps supports community work and JIGANTIC projects abroad.

Oh and keep an eye out for those Gorillas in the mist!