THREE new permanent public sculptures are being installed in Newquay to celebrate communities past and present.

The Newquay Monolith by artist Robin Sullivan and ALMA Artspace will be installed at the Barrowfields, Newquay Orchard and Nansledan.

The modern monoliths recall the ancient Neolithic stones scattered across the Cornish landscape used for millennia as places of contemplation, healing and communal gatherings.

The Monoliths will create a two-mile walking and biking trail from Newquay’s old town at the Barrowfields, across to Newquay Orchard and then out to the newest part of the town at Nansledan.

The Newquay Monolith project aims to create new communal points to showcase the town’s heritage, archaeological past, and contemporary communities. The Bronze Age Barrowfields has been chosen as its the oldest known settlement, Nansledan is the most recent suburb whilst Newquay Orchard is a community hub.

The first sculpture at Barrowfields will be ready to see in July with the other two being installed shortly after through the summer.

The project will be officially unveiled at ALMA Field Day, a seasonal celebration of art, music and creativity inspired by the people, landscape and stories of Newquay as the town moves into summer, which will be held at the Barrowfields on Sunday, September 7.

The Newquay Monoliths, which has been overseen by Mr Sullivan, who grew up in nearby Looe, and local community arts organisation ALMA Artspace, have been made using over 300 direct casts of the town made by hundreds of local people selecting and creating casts of places that held personal significance to them.

These casts, now embedded in the Monoliths, capture the textures and essence of Newquay. Fragments of place, emotions and memory made permanent and include various geological stones, flora and waste materials found across the town.

The process was a result of a year-long public programme of diverse workshops, talks, and field trips with numerous local organisations, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, involved in the unique casting process.

The groups and organisations involved in creating The Newquay Monoliths include residents; Cornwall Archaeological Unit; Cornwall Council; the Duchy of Cornwall; Experience Newquay; Gather & Grow; Nansledan Community Association; Newquay Orchard staff and volunteers; Newquay Tretherras School; St Petrocs; and Trenance Learning Academy.

By combining casts made by the people of Newquay into these new sculptural structures, Sullivan and The Newquay Monoliths create a new conversation around the idea that: ‘Yours + Mine = Ours’.

This concept takes its inspiration from the spirit of ancient ancestors felt in the Neolithic monoliths and within the site of the Barrowfields, where around 3,500 years ago barrows were built to mark their dead, and how different communities would combine materials from their own lands to create common spaces and memorials.

Mr Sullivan believes now more than ever, communities need spaces to gather, listen, and learn from one another. The goal of the project is to encourage these connections, ensuring the Monoliths are imbued with a collective understanding and appreciation of shared experiences.

Mr Sullivan, who places social engagement at the centre of their work, said: “The project has been amazing, it’s so lovely to get to know the communities of Newquay and discover the places that hold significance to individuals.

“Everyone has given so much of themselves - it’s been a real honour to help bring these differing perspectives together within the three sculptures.”

Lucy Ward and Ingrid Pop from ALMA Artspace explain of the work, added: “Being a part of The Newquay Monoliths project has been a wonderful experience. It brings together so many things we care deeply about - art, creativity and nature within our community.

“We hope that these sculptures, made by and for the people who live here, will become symbols of the amazing spirit of this place. We want people to feel a connection to the process, so we are really excited about gathering together to celebrate the unveiling in July.

“Robin’s ability to bring people together and communicate the aims of the project have also been truly inspiring to observe.”

Lara Simmons, creative lead at Trenance Learning Academy, said: “When Robin visited us at Trenance, the children and adults alike had a fantastic morning. Robin spoke all about the materials we would be using and gave great advice on creating our one-off tile [for inclusion in the Monolith]. They had a lovely way with the children and adults

The Newquay Monoliths project is funded with investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Charlotte Hill, CEO, Newquay Community Orchard, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as one of the three sites for this amazing project. This ties in perfectly with our community aims of connection, nature, education and creativity.

“It will be a wonderful addition to our beautiful grounds to be enjoyed by everyone who visits us. Working with Robin and ALMA Artspace has been a wonderful experience for everyone here at Newquay Community Orchard and we can’t wait for the Monolith to arrive.”

Sam Kirkness, the executive director of development at the Duchy of Cornwall, added: "We’re delighted to be providing one of the Newquay Monoliths a home here in Nansledan at the Chapel Wetlands.

“We’re used to building things that last at Nansledan, but this is the first time we’ve helped install a modern-day standing stone. This project has been a fantastic collaboration by communities across Newquay, and we look forward to all three monoliths forming part of a combined discovery trail that celebrates the art, history and culture of the area."