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# Community-Engaging Sand Mountains
Katie Paterson Boasts a Participatory Art Project in the UK

By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-05-06 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/participatory-art-project
References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/04/02/katie-paterson-first-there-is-a-mountain/) & [katiepaterson.org](http://katiepaterson.org/portfolio/ftiam/)

A participatory art project will take place accross 25 high-profile beaches in the UK during the summer of 2019. Initiated by Fife-based visual artist Katie Paterson, the piece invites the public to build sand castles on the beach.

Dubbed 'There is a Mountain,' the creative endeavor features [bioplastic buckets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinetic-sand-project-planet) made from fermented plant starch that take on the shape of some of the most renowned mountains in the world — Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Shasta in the US, Mount Fiji in Asia, Stromboli in Europe and Uluru in Oceania. The coastal participatory art project will realize "micro-geologies" on the beach and will allow for strong [community building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures). Progress from each location can be tracked via a dedicated website and social media.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.2/10
- Popularity: 39% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Participatory Art:** The 'There is a Mountain' project showcases the potential of participatory art in building community engagement and promoting sustainability through bioplastics.
- **Eco-friendly Materials:** The use of fermented plant starch to create bioplastic buckets highlights the potential of eco-friendly materials in the art and design industry.
- **Digital Tracking:** Tracking progress on a dedicated website and social media platforms provides an opportunity for digital innovation in promoting artistic participation and community engagement.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Art and Design:** The 'There is a Mountain' project promotes the potential for participatory and eco-friendly art, with opportunities for innovative material development and creative community-building strategies.
- **Sustainability:** Using bioplastics made from fermented plant starch highlights the potential for sustainable material innovation in a range of industries, including art and design, packaging, and consumer goods.
- **Tourism:** The 'There is a Mountain' project could provide opportunities for tourist destinations to engage with their local communities and promote sustainable practices by offering similar participatory art experiences and tracking progress on digital platforms.

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