This year marks a very special milestone for Meadow Arts as we celebrate 25 years of bringing contemporary art to unexpected places, working with artists, partners and communities across the region.

On Sunday 5 July, we gathered at Hay Castle to celebrate. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We were delighted to welcome so many artists, partners, supporters, volunteers and friends who have been part of the Meadow Arts journey over the years.

The day began with an artist-led walk by Sarah Boulton as part of the BorderLands Walking Series, where performance unfolded across the landscape through a series of gentle, poetic happenings.

Against the distant landscape surrounding the walk, moments of performance were taking place, sometimes unseen but brought to life through words, imagination and the people taking part. The walk invited participants to experience the landscape differently, creating a shared and quietly playful encounter with place.

Throughout the afternoon, the lawn at the castle became a space for play and participation with The Golden Valley Sundial by artists Chris Poolman and Grace Emily Manning. Visitors of all ages explored and interacted with the artwork, joining in games and gathering together around the Sundial.

We were also joined by visitors for a curator-led tour of BorderLands, our current exhibition at Hay Castle (until 31 August).

The tour offered an opportunity to explore the exhibition’s themes and hear more about the artists and artworks that make up BorderLands. Bringing together contemporary artists whose work explores ideas around landscape, identity, borders and belonging, the exhibition provided a fitting backdrop to a day reflecting on Meadow Arts’ own history of bringing contemporary art into conversation with place.

The afternoon concluded with heartfelt speeches and a chance to reflect on the people, partnerships and ideas that have shaped Meadow Arts over the past 25 years.

We were especially touched by the reflections of Abigail Appleton MBE, Principal of Hereford College of Arts, who spoke beautifully about the value of the long-standing partnership between the college and Meadow Arts. Abigail reflected on how working alongside an arts organisation has created enriching opportunities, with the benefits of that collaboration continuing to reach and inspire students.

Partnerships such as this have been central to Meadow Arts throughout our journey. Working collaboratively has allowed us to support artists, commission ambitious new work and create opportunities for contemporary art to be experienced in rural places and communities.

As we celebrate 25 years of Meadow Arts, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.

Over the coming months, we’ll be delving into our archive, rediscovering the 60+ artworks we’ve commissioned since 2001, celebrating the artists, partners and communities who have shaped us.