Tullie, Carlisle commission artwork from artist Serena Korda

Tullie has acquired Hold Fast, Stand Sure, I scream a revolution by Serena Korda, purchased with support from the Arts Council England/ V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Art Fund, and the Henry Moore Foundation.

The installation is comprised of 29 porcelain mushroom ‘bells’ which hang from the ceiling. To accompany the piece, Korda has been commissioned to create a soundscape using field recordings made in and around Carlisle.

This layer of the work will link the piece to the landscape and community of the city. Three of the mushrooms produce different notes and sounds which can be played. Tullie plans to train a group of community volunteers to play these for performances at special events.

Hold Fast, Stand Sure, I scream a revolution will be one of the first things visitors see on entering Tullie’s brand-new welcome area, due for completion in summer 2024. The welcome area is part of Phase 2 of Project Tullie, the museum’s major capital development programme.

Serena Korda said: “It is fantastic that my shrooms have found their permanent home at Tullie, responding to this exciting phase of the building and the opening of its new atrium. 

“I am honoured to be making a brand-new sound piece for the work that responds to Carlisle and its surrounding areas through deep listening and field recordings.  The shrooms reflect the resilience and resourcefulness of this place and its people. I can’t wait for the bells to find their new home and sound in this new building.”

Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement at Tullie, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be able to acquire such an interactive piece of artwork for the new welcome area. Serena creates atmospheric pieces of art that will inspire visitors of all ages. Having such a bold piece in Tullie’s welcome area is a real statement of intent for the museum’s future plans and we can’t wait to see people’s reactions to it.”