This is an artist-led initiative working with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ staff, students and members of the local community to create an edible campus. It provides an enriched habitat for people, plants, insects and animals on the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ campus.
Mita takes over from the project’s founding artist and co-ordinator Anne-Marie and together they will lead the Fruit Routes Spring Walk – Springtime Foraging and Wild Being event on 16 May, 1.30pm-3pm. Starting from the Barefoot Orchard (near Pilkington Library) explore the 1km route of edible fruit and nut trees, learn more about the orchards and share different perspectives on this cultural resource. Following the walk, wild teas will be served in the Landscape and Gardening Society (LAGS) garden from 3-4pm. All are welcome at this event and no booking is required. The route is mostly level with some walking off paths.
Mita Solanky is a local Leicestershire based artist who creates art to re-connect human experience with the natural world. She was previously part of the Artists Access to Art Colleges (AA2A) project and she has a decade of experience in public art and artist-led festivals. Her current work stems from her experience of tending an allotment with her family throughout the pandemic, when she discovered the beauty and wisdom this close connection to the food we eat gives us, both personally and socially. The work she creates is live and participatory, taking inspiration from nature-based practices of ancient and indigenous cultures, especially from her own rich Gujarati heritage.
She became familiar with the LU campus when she carried out her AA2A residency with the School of Design and Creative Arts last year and is looking forward to engaging with students, staff and the wider community during her Fruit Routes artist role over the coming few years.