THE public are to get a say on the expansion of activities at Rodd Court and other buildings, the former home of the international artist Sir Sydney Nolan at Presteigne following funding awards of more than £88,000.

The Sidney Nolan Trust was delighted to announce that it has received grants from the National Lottery and the Architectural Heritage Fund for an exciting project to develop the Trust’s work at The Rodd.

One of Australia’s leading 20th century artists, Sir Sydney died in 1992 and The Rodd has become a centre for displays of his artworks and memorabilia.

Nolan Trust chairman Richard Catt,said: “We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and the Architectural Heritage Fund and are confident the project will help us put together realistic and exciting plans for the future of the Trust and for local people at The Rodd.”

Central to the new project will be establishing plans for the recently acquired 17th Century manor house, Rodd Court, which sits at the centre of the 245 acre estate and is of particular historic interest as it has remained virtually untouched since its first owner, Richard Rodd, died in 1633.

Around this is a rare grouping of 17th century agricultural buildings, together with a Farmhouse built in the Arts and Crafts style.

With 10 acres of ancient cider orchards and 50 acres of ancient woodlands (with walking trails opened last year), the Trust has an interesting array of locations to develop.

The funding will enable the Trust to embark upon a series of consultation events to consider the ideas and views of the public on how Rodd Court, the other buildings and grounds, might be best used for interesting and creative activities.

The Trust will be keen to gather local stories, learning more about the heritage and role that The Rodd, its land, woodland and buildings played over the centuries.

Entrusted with realising Sir Sidney Nolan’s vision for establishing a rural centre for the arts and inspired by Nolan’s talent, innovation and passion for cultural exchange, the Trust sees this an important opportunity to build on its established track record of creating innovative opportunities for both artists, visitors and local surrounding communities.

Over the years the Trust has been involved in artist camps, residencies, workshops for young people, festivals, concerts and exhibitions. With an expanded and integrated site the Trust plans to look at how it can make this a cultural centre for the area.

Once the plans are in place The Rodd’s appeal as an open, fascinating and welcoming place to visit in the Welsh Marches will grow - increasing tourism from both regional and international audiences. It will also create exciting opportunities for people to get involved as trained volunteers helping in all aspects of the Trust’s work.

Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to support this project, which, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will mean that more people will be able to get involved with and protect this exciting heritage.”

The Sidney Nolan Trust (www.sidneynolantrust.org) was founded as a charitable trust in 1985. Its object is to ‘advance the education of the public in the knowledge and appreciation of the arts generally, but including in particular the works of art of Sir Sidney Nolan.

Inspired by Nolan’s talent, innovation and passion for cultural exchange, Trust aims include further developing The Rodd as a rural centre for creative work at all levels, crossing communities, disciplines and generations, locally and internationally, as well as promoting the value of heritage in creative endeavour.