PASW Regional Newsletter: Autumn 2000
Public Art Projects in the Cotswolds
Two very different Public Art projects are happening this year in the Cotswolds.
% for art for Social Housing, is a scheme sponsored by the District Council. A partnership between four local Housing Associations is building affordable homes to rent throughout the District. At least 1% of total development costs is applied to every individual development, which can range from 2 to 40 dwellings. The Housing Associations commission the Artist, and the Local Authority, - Cotswold District Council - pay back the 1%.
Commissioning has now begun on several of the developments. These range from metal gates to a Pocket Park. Margaret Mernagh, the Cultural Services Manager, set the process in motion when she invited Maggie Bolt to talk to Members and Officers, which brought a dormant policy to life. A commissioning pack has been produced and Cotswold District Council anticipate up to 40 commissions over the next two years. The emphasis is on integrating contemporary quality Arts and Crafts elements within social housing.
Cotswold District Council are also managing Cart Art, a Year of the Artist residency involving Visual Art and Literature on huge boards attached to Council Dustcarts.
The project which will be launched in August will include a 'Private View' in the Car Park, with all the bin lorries together, and Artists on the Bin rounds.
It is interesting and invigorating to find two projects, which might be associated with a City, happening in the rural Cotswolds.
For information on either of these projects contact:
Diana Hatton: Project Manager, 01453 887006