About Us.

Why are we doing this?

We care about these places and want to leave an artistic record of what we encounter. We want people who use these spaces – and artists who are inspired by them – to come together and influence the future of BACKLANDS.

Why do we find these places inspiring?

BACKLANDS landscapes are always surprising. It’s something about their scale and their isolated, hidden nature that makes them unique. Somewhere so surprising and unique is somewhere that’s bound to be inspiring.

What do we like to do in BACKLANDS? 

Walking, cycling, exploring and discovering, or just sitting and thinking. It’s an escape to another place. An empty landscape where you can empty your mind.

A man with gray, messy hair and a serious expression, wearing a colorful, patterned long-sleeve shirt, standing against a plain white wall.

John Skinner

Professional artist, now specialising in eco-friendly arts at Voyage Fair Trade Studios in Devon. John has worked for Disney and illustrated children's books for Garden Studios London and Andre Deutsch publishers.

Smiling man with short black hair standing in front of a historic building with large arched windows and ornate architecture.

Anthony Wong

Anthony, a multi-disciplinary artist at Bluecoat, Liverpool, earned his MA from the Royal College of Art and expanded his practice to include his original passions: photography, installation, and poetry.

A man wearing glasses and a red zip-up sweater sitting on gravel outside, with concrete steps and a curved wall in the background.

John Ludlam

John is a writer, filmmaker and audio enthusiast, with decades of storytelling experience. His career includes extensive experience as a Reuters journalist and independent creative consultant.

A middle-aged man with gray hair and beard smiling with arms crossed, wearing a black jacket and a watch, standing in front of a wall decorated with white rounded objects.

Ian McCarthy

City planner, based in North West England, committed to creating vibrant, viable and inclusive places. A trustee of the Liverpool Biennial Contemporary Arts Festival and Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Join us in BACKLANDS.