Later this month, graduating MA student Charlotte Arcedeckne-Butler will travel to Denmark to undertake a unique residency for female sheepherders. Located on the West Jutland heath on the outskirts of Kronheden, the farm of Lystbækgaard is owned by Denmark's only trained female shepherd, Berit Kiilerich. The site, bordering Ulfborg State Forest, Klausie Plantation and Ulfborg Aktieplantage, has recently developed into a cultural destination including a visitor centre focusing on wool, shepherding and traditional craft skills. A programme of events including seminars, exhibitions, herding demonstrations and workshops (organised by the 'Lystbæk Society') are soon to combine with a dedicated artist's residency.
As such, Charlotte is perfectly placed to benefit from this unique mixture of art, culture and agriculture, extending the research she has undertaken at West Dean, relating both to the College and wider Estate. In support of her ongoing Professional Development, Charlotte will not only write about her experiences on the Visual Arts blog but will also return to the department in future, as an Alumni student, to give an artist's talk about her ongoing work.http://www.lystbaekgaard.dk/