symposiums in UK

Quoted text begins.Does anyone know of any symposiums, meets, "chewing the fat" sessions occuring in the U.K.
End of quote.

Dear Denise

I have not discovered much that is going on stone-carving wise in Britain which is organised, other than at Portland. However, there is money available, I am sure, for those who desire to organise such an event or series of events. I worked as artist/designer for the City of Swansea from 1990 until 1998 and during my last year I applied for an arts lottery grant from the Arts Council of Wales (match funded by Swansea Council) to host an international stonecarving symposium in the city during the year 2000. The award was made to the city but I left my employment there and, unfortunately, the money was used for other things.

The reasons for wishing to organise this event were manifold, and included the following:
1. The event would be held in Swansea's main square, which is open to all, plus a children's symposium would have taken place alongside.
2. This event would provide a cost-effective means of bringing large-scale sculptures produced by international artists to the city where they would remain after the event.
3. Swansea would have hosted the first international stonecarving symposium in Wales.
4. Many civic and individual friendships with other countries would be fostered.

There are countless other benefits, too numerous to mention here, but anyone who has attended or organised a symposium will know what these can be. I am fortunate in having attended sculpture symposiums in several countries around the world and I would love to be able to offer the unique experience and outstanding hospitality which I have always enjoyed to sculptors attending such an event here in Britain.

I am so glad that I came across this website; it is useful, interesting and very friendly. Thank you.

Brenda Oakes
Wales