SLOW ART TRAIL was a pilot, public art project developed by Chrysalis Arts to raise awareness of environmental issues and to explore how artists can develop a more sustainable approach to their creative practice. Chrysalis Arts encouraged local community participation in the project through a programme of creative writing and visual arts workshops.The project connected with the slow food concept of taking more time to appreciate quality, sourcing materials locally where possible, the use of natural and non-toxic materials and aimed to highlight issues such as re-using and recycling, sustainable transport and responsible travel.

With support from Gaia Research, Chrysalis produced an initial brief for artists to respond to which requested that installations follow the guidelines of sustainability, low embodied energy, and recycled and recyclable materials.This included paying attention to sourcing of materials, avoidance of pollution, waste and toxicity avoidance and bio-diversity.

However, Chrysalis was keen to highlight that throughout the selection process and implementation of the project, equal weight was also given to the artistic integrity and quality of the work.