PASW Regional Newsletter: Autumn 2000
Regional Projects - Avon Ring Road Stage 11 - Public Art Features
In 1994 Avon County Council, working with independent commissioning agency, Sustrans, commissioned fourteen artists to provide 64 public art features for the Ring Road Stage 11 scheme. Action and objections from 'Scrap it' a local environmental action group, halted the development of the scheme for five years.
The Ring Road Scheme is now going ahead. Local government re-organisation took place in 1996 and South Gloucestershire Unitary Authority has inherited the Ring Road Scheme. The Arts Development Unit at South Gloucestershire Council is responsible for managing the public art projects. This has entailed a certain amount of detective work and a re-assessment of the appropriateness of the scheme as a whole. It was essential to re-evaluate some commissions, while re-activating others and commissioning new artists. Originally, the public art element of the scheme was unrealistically costed and negotiation over the available funds has been an interesting process. This is a complex project, which brings artists, arts development, engineers and contractors together in a range of challenging and innovative projects.
The public art projects will greatly enhance the Ring Road Scheme, encouraging pedestrians and cyclists to explore the new routes and the public art features along the way. The lapse of time has presented a valuable opportunity to re-evaluate the scheme and involve local people in the project, adopt a fresh approach with innovative, contemporary designs. Originally commissioned artists have been encouraged to re-visit their designs. Many artists have changed the way work. Heritage of the local area was seen as an important element of the previous commissioning process. However, contemporary designs have been commissioned which celebrate the present and look to the future.
There has also been considerable local opposition to the development of the Ring Road Stage 11. The public art features will endeavour to give something back, to achieve local ownership of the scheme and encourage people to explore and enjoy the cycle and pedestrian routes. It is important that we involve and enable people to work creatively with professional artists in consultation, design generation and, where possible and practical, the fabrication of quality public art features. It is vital to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to access the public art features - to enjoy, be challenged by and interpret the public art.
This scheme will also have an impact on public art in the South West celebrating innovative, contemporary work with a range of highly skilled and visionary artists.
Lorna Green's The Chain and The Wheel, a major Earthwork Sculpture, which will be spectacular when completed. It is based on the industrial chain and the split coal wheel, both important local features. It will probably be the largest Earthwork Sculptures in the world, at over half a mile long.
John Thompson's Warmley Brook Bridge- an iron bridge with stylised water creatures and fish cutouts. The bridge was installed in June '99 but has been subject to graffiti. Practical and artistic solutions are being developed and may result in treating the bridge as a graffiti arts project.
Artist: John Thompson, Avon Ring Road Project
Phil Power has been commissioned to design finishes including lighting for Shortwood Junction Underbridges. Phil has developed innovative designs using new techniques including Rammed Earth walls, interactive 'cats eyes' which will change colour at different speeds depending on whether you are walking, cycling or riding a horse. This scheme will also incorporate a light tunnel in the roof of the Underbridge and mirrors, which change the perception of the spaces.
Sebastien Boyesen was originally commissioned to design glazed brick and aluminium cast 'pit props' finishes for Stanley Road and Station Road Underbridges. Sebastien has re-designed his scheme, which will focus on a new technique for digitally designed printed tiling finishes.
Walter Jack was originally commissioned to provide 4 oak stiles. Walter is now providing 7 stiles, several of which are set at an angle, twisting the fence.
Pauline Monkcom was originally commissioned with another artist to provide signs and plaques. Pauline is now working on her own and will provide four interpretational plaques, which celebrate local heritage.
Will Glanfield was originally commissioned to design and provide two seats. Will has now been re-commissioned to provide four seats.
Frank Taylor was originally commissioned to design and provide two seats. Frank is re-working one of his designs.
Val Steel has been commissioned to work closely with students to design and fabricate a Waymarker for Kingsfield School access to the cycle and pedestrian routes.
New Commissions
Artists will be selected to work with Schools, Youth Centres and Community groups to design and fabricate a number of additional features including Waymarkers, Interpretation Signage and Bollards. There is also planning permission and a small budget of £5,000 to provide an Earthwork Sculpture Time Capsule. Artists will be commissioned to work with local people, schools and youth centres to produce artworks and other artefacts to be included in Time Capsule.
The Ring Road is scheduled for completion in October 2000. Hopefully a leaflet and a Public Art Trail Map will be available. Explore!
Any Artists interested in working on this or other Public and Community Arts Projects please get in touch.
Trish McGrath, Arts Development Officer SGC, Broad Lane, Engine Common, Yate, S. Gloucestershire. BS37 7PN
Tel 01454 865834. e.mail : [email protected]