PASW Regional Newsletter: Spring 2007
Update from ixia, the think tank for public art practice
ixia Welcome to ixia’s February 2007 update, which is to keep you informed of our work in understanding and advising on the factors that affect the quality of artists’ work in the public realm. ixia’s focus is currently on three key areas: implementation, evaluation and training.
Implementation
By working with key public and private sector organisations that contribute to defining the public realm, ixia is researching and establishing ways of working with artists that will assist in filling the public art policy vacuum that exists at a strategic and national level.
English Partnerships continues to work with ixia to formalise its involvement with public art by developing a corporate public art policy and strategy. ixia is also beginning to work in similar ways with other public and private sector organisations.
Guidance for Public Art Supplementary Planning Documents
ixia has carried out a review of the ways that local authorities secure public art via the planning and development control process, and will release a document containing guidance on the content of Public Art Supplementary Planning Documents during Spring 2007. The document will be supported by development workshops (see below).
Evaluation
Our work on evaluation with the OPENspace Research Centre at Edinburgh College of Art and Heriot-Watt University, has reached the stage where we are able to offer a toolkit and training course for evaluating the development and impact of public art (see below). ixia sees the toolkit as key to the public art sector's ability to inform Government's evidence-based approach to policy and its implementation of the Sustainable Communities Plan.
Training
Further details regarding training courses and development workshops for the Evaluation Toolkit and Public Art Supplementary Planning Documents will be publicised shortly. In the meantime, if you want to register your interest in attending please let us know by e-mailing your contact details to [email protected].
In addition, ixia is currently formulating its response to Arts Council England's first public value enquiry. Public art is included, so we encourage you to contribute to the debate by going to http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/artsdebate/2007/02/.
Also, ixia relies on individuals and organisations to undertake research projects. If you are interested in being considered for projects, then send a CV to [email protected].
Finally, don’t forget to go to www.ixia-info.com to find out more about our publications on public art.
Jonathan Banks, Chief Executive.
About ixia
ixia is the think tank for public art - its aim is to provide an independent and objective view of the factors that affect the quality of artists’ work in the public realm by undertaking research and enabling debate.
ixia works with artists, policy makers and implementers within the public and private sectors.
ixia’s approach is collaborative ensuring that partners inform its work.
ixia provides publications, consultancy, training and conferences to disseminate knowledge and information.
ixia is a charity and is funded by Arts Council England.