LAND/NG has landed!

It explores North Nottinghamshire’s connection to the historical sailing of the Mayflower, reflecting on the stories of the few who made the journey, and unravelling the impact they still have on the many today. 

The process started back in January 2019 when artist Jo Wheeler and curator Kate Stoddart worked with a group of 10 young people and their tutors from Inspire Learning College for young people in Worksop and Retford. Kate and Jo were developing a proposal for a major public arts commission in Bassetlaw to share Bassetlaw’s Mayflower story. The end goal of the project was to select an artist to continue with the project in 2020, as this marks 400 years since the ship set sail for America with pilgrims from Nottinghamshire on board. Nine artists were shortlisted and interviewed by the young people, and as a result visual artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel was selected. 

The project was slightly delayed due to the pandemic but in 2021, the project title LAND/NG was born and the process of creating the film began in 2022. During January and February, Hetain met with Inspire Youth Arts dance groups Reverse Flow and SANDance to develop choreography for the film that reflected the full story of the Mayflower.

Fast forward to March 2022 and filming weekend finally arrived at Worksop Priory. Inspire Music’s Inspirations choir and families came together with members of the Priory Choir to record the backing track, SANDance and Reverse Flow performed the dance they had been practicing and other members of Inspire were also cast in the film. And that was a wrap!

The evening of 30 June 2022 saw Worksop Savoy red carpet-lined and in full Hollywood-mode as LAND/NG premiered to a special audience of cast, crew, and partners ahead of its official premiere on 1 August 2022.

Premiere photos credit: David Severn

LAND/NG was screened all day and enjoyed by all at the Fun Palace at Worksop Library on Saturday 1 October.

BBC Radio Nottingham broadcasted an hour-long radio programme on LAND/NG - on the We Are Nottingham slot between 5-6pmon Sunday 2 October. Catch up on BBC Sounds.

We are delighted to hear that LAND/NG has been selected to be included in the British Art Show from October 22 - January 23. It can be seen the context of Hetain, and other artists work at The Box, a new city art gallery and museum. 

More information about the Mayflower Pilgrims and their local and wider links can be found at Pilgrim Roots or Mayflower 400. You can find out more about the process of creating LAND/ING on the official blog.