The Great Promenade Show
Summary
The complete reconstruction of Blackpool's South Promenade has incorporated a major series of new public art works commissioned by Blackpool Borough Council, and described by them as "an outdoor gallery of contemporary art". Since 2001, eight large-scale permanent works have been installed at special viewing points along the well-designed new 2km walkway. A further two commissions are scheduled for installation later in 2004, completing the project. Blackpool Borough Council employed the artist-run consultancy The Art Department as 'lead artists' for the project. The commissions reflect (though not always in the most obvious way) the character of Blackpool as a destination for those seeking fun, naughtiness, live entertainment and bracing weather conditions. As originally intended, the artists commissioned range from well-established names such as Peter Blake and Bruce McLean, to emerging practitioners.
