World Class Inspiration

Thanks to its wide horizons Norfolk is often referred to as ‘big sky country’ and the sense of space created here has inspired generations of artists, writers, and musicians. 

Artists have long drawn on the Norfolk countryside as a place to celebrate in paint and photography. The Norwich School of Artists including Cotman and Crome are rightly famous however, there is also a wider artistic heritage including artists such as Seago and Munnings.

The Sainsbury Centre at the UEA, based in Norwich, holds a world famous collection of art from Degas through to African tribal masks. The art galleries at Norwich Castle Museum hold regular exhibitions in association with the East Anglian Art Fund and the Tate; and there is an outstanding Open Studios programme across the County every summer with over 250 studios open to the public.

Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro and Rose Tremain are just some of the alumni from the World renowned Creative Writing course at the University of East Anglia. And the county is home to writers like Bill Bryson, Louis de Bernieres and Rafaella Barker.

Not only is the county home to a range of different musicians from classical through to jazz and pop, it also attracts a range of national and international artists. Venues range from historic National Trust properties like Blickling or Holkham Hall to Thetford Forest or at The Waterfront. 

Whether it is sculpture; photography, textiles or fashion Norfolk is home to World Class Art.