PASW Regional Newsletter: Spring 2002
Public Art Forum Update
The past few months have been a busy time for Public Art Forum. In addition to establishing the Forum events as a new core activity we have been undertaking an organisational review in order to re-focus and prioritise the work of PAF. The new organisations structure and priorities will be announced in the Spring and will refocus PAF at the centre of thinking around public art practice.
Our first forum event set itself the vast area of debate, and was developed in partnership with Public Art Leicester and Leicester City Council. The day aimed to explore the impact of diverse cultures on the built environment. Eddie Chambers opened the event with a presentation that attempted to question the processes of commissioning in the public realm and explore the contested nature of the public realm. Olu Taiwu gave a stimulating and challenging performance using dance, movement and sound to raise issue of personal space and the individual within the complexities of the contemporary and global society. Artists Said Adrus and Bhajan Hunjan presented the development of their project Sacred Places, just one of the projects commissioned as part of the Cultural Mapping project initiated by Public Art Leicester. The participants then split into groups to consider question by the presentations. How far should our built environment reflect the cultures of our communities? Is cultural diversity a relevant starting point when commissioning public art? The debate that followed highlighted the need for more critical debate and research to be initiated in the field.
The second forum event in Newcastle and Gateshead attempted to look 'Beyond the Angel' and offered participants the opportunity to hear a frank presentation by Paul Rubenstein, Head of Cultural Services for Newcastle that challenged the role of public art in regeneration. Andrew Knight, adviser to Nexus who run the metro system in Tyneside, presented proposals for the new line that will link Newcastle Town centre, via Gateshead to Sunderland. The presentations highlighted the contradictions often present in the broad spectrum of practice embraced by the term public art.
The new issue of the Public Art Journal will be available in April with features by Ben Heywood, Piers Masterson and John Newling, in addition to reviews. To order a copy please send your name address and payment of £11.00 to Public Art Forum, Halfpenny Wharf, Torrington Street, Bideford, Devon. EX39 4DP.
Emma Larkinson
Director, Public Art Forum