CAPABILITY BROWN FESTIVAL 2016

2016 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown, a designer who changed
the national landscape and created a style which has shaped peoples picture of the
quintessential English countryside.
As the first ever celebration of Browns extensive works, the Festival brings together a huge
range of events, openings and exhibitions. New research and a full listing of his sites will help
build knowledge about Brown and fix him at the forefront of modern thinking on design and
management of the natural environment.
Browns sites will be made accessible for families, adults and urban audiences, and volunteers
supported to increase their skills in site interpretation, guiding and writing. Artist, inventor,
genius; Browns work has already influenced many at home and abroad. The Festival will
inspire new generations of visitors, participants and experts to leave a legacy of new
information, skills and enthusiasm for landscape.
The Capability Brown Festival has been awarded a grant by Heritage Lottery Fund to enable
the delivery of the project. The approved purposes of that grant are listed below.
Approved Purposes

Taking account of the timetable pressures and the need for continuity, appoint a staff
team with appropriate management and governance arrangements to run a Festival to
celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of Capability Brown.
Produce a partnership agreement for approval by HLF and signature by all partners, to
define and confirm the involvement of partner organisations throughout the project.
Offer a comprehensive programme of support to owners of Brown sites, with the aim
of opening as many sites as possible, to as wide a range of people as possible.
As part of this, confirm agreements and work programmes with a network of
intermediate sites who will work on the Festivals behalf to support their neighbours;
to attract new audiences; and to promote knowledge of Brown and best practice in site
management and audience development.
Interpret all or as many sites as possible, using research by volunteers who will be
trained and supported by the Festival. Interpretation material will aim to meet the
needs of the widest possible range of participants and audiences. Use this material and
other work to create a definitive record of Brown sites.
Ensure a focus throughout the project on the development of new audiences. This will
include support to sites on best practice in accessibility and inclusion; projects to work
with target audiences identified by individual sites; and information and initiatives
from the Festival team to promote inclusion of specific audiences.
Make findings and learning accessible during and after the project, to as wide a range of
people as possible. Share learning as it develops through a programme of regional
seminars