PASW Regional Newsletter: Autumn 2001
Public Art South West - Activities
Public Art South West is a service of South West Arts. It aims to develop a wide range of opportunities for artists and craftspeople to contribute in diverse and innovative ways to our built and natural environment. Public Art South West takes a leading role in co-ordinating a range of strategies for public art development in the region. In achieving its aims, Public Art South West works in partnership with a broad range of organisations in the public and private sectors, including local authorities, health trusts, environmental groups, tourist boards, housing associations and many others.
Recent projects and initiatives include:
Resources:
www.publicartonline.org.uk - a new interactive Debate Section was recently launched on the site and is aimed at encouraging more people to share their thoughts and ideas about public art practice and its future . Various other changes are planned for the site over the next few months including new Case Studies; there are also comprehensive sections on events, new publications etc - so make sure it's a favourite when you're surfing!
New Initiatives:
Work on the 'Architecture and Built Environment Strategy for the South West' (draft title) continues with the completion and launch planned for our November network meeting. The South West Regional Development Agency, Government Office South West and English Heritage have all played an active role on the steering group and the work to date has identified many interesting areas for future development.
Local Authorities:
PASW continues to work closely with local authorities throughout the region and can offer a range of advice on public art development including the formulation of strategies, policies, incorporating public art within Local Plans etc. We are currently involved in advising Exeter City Council on a public art strategy; advising South Hams District Council on a public art strategy and supporting in-house training for the planning department; and developing legal workshops for Bristol City Council, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucester which will look in detail at contractual issues; should this pilot project be well received we will look to offer it to other authorities in the region in due course.
South West Arts seeks views on Arts Council restructure proposals
South West Arts is seeking views of people in the region following the publication of the Arts Council's second set of proposals to replace the regional arts boards.
In March, South West Arts Board opposed the Arts Council's initial proposals, concerned that the voice of the Westcountry would not be heard in a new national organisation. The Board was also concerned that the cost, time and energy involved in the implementation of the proposals would outweigh any benefits. Alan Livingston, The Board's Chairman said, "We were not persuaded that the Arts Council's original proposals genuinely offered the best means of strengthening and developing the arts in the South West. New proposals are now on the table. We will look at them with an open mind, and consider carefully whether the Arts Council's plans will meet the best interests of the region's arts.
"We particularly want to hear views from anyone involved in the arts in the region - audiences, artists and arts organisations. The Board takes seriously its responsibilities as an independent charity, a champion for the arts in the South West of England and an employer. The Board will meet in October, once consultation is complete, and decide its response to the Arts Council's proposals."
The period of consultation continues until September 14th. South West Arts welcomes comments on the Arts Council's proposals which can be seen on South West Arts' website at www.swa.co.uk. Copies can also be obtained from South West Arts on 01392 218188.
Analysis of Responses to "Prospectus for Change" 18th July 2001 - Marketlink Research was commissioned by the Arts Council to carry out an analysis of the responses to the Arts Council's document "A Prospectus for Change". 1120 letters from a variety of constituencies and all regions, sent to ACE and the Regional Arts Boards, were analysed. The findings can be found on www.swa.co.uk.