PASW Regional Newsletter: Autumn 2003
Public Art South West Activities
Public Art South West takes a leading role in initiating a range of strategies for public art development in the region. We work in partnership with the public and private sectors, including local authorities, health care trust, environmental groups, housing associations and the education sector. We also work with architects, urban designers, planners, developers, artists, arts administrators and many others. Our aim is to develop a wide range of opportunities for artists and craftspeople to contribute in diverse and innovative ways to our built and natural environment.
Recent Projects and Initiatives include:
Resources: www.publicartonline.org.uk
Re-launched in June 2003 the site has now even more information on it. With a clear new navigation system, and search facility, users should be able to access a wide range of up to date information with greater ease. Please visit the site and let us know what you think. We are always adding new case studies and updating information on public art projects in the region, so if you have any projects you think we should know about, please get in touch. We also have a free listings service and are happy to consider including your information. We currently have over 8000 visits per month, so you will know your information is being seen!
Local Authorities:
We have spent much of the year so far making contact with our new colleagues in Wiltshire and Dorset and plan to be working closely with Swindon , Bournemouth and Poole on the development of public art strategies. We continue to work closely with a range of other authorities; with particular emphasis on public art development in Cornwall . We are always happy to advise on applications being made to the Grants for Arts Scheme and have recently assisted several local authorities in making successful applications.
Health Authorities:
We are currently supporting a specialist consultant to work with Plymouth Area Health Community to develop an arts strategy and continue to support and advise on activity within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust, Taunton and Musgrove NHS Trust as well as other health trusts around the region. We are also currently a member of a steering group which is looking at the feasibility of establishing an Arts and Health Forum for the region.
New Initiatives:
In collaboration with Arts for Health Cornwall & Isles of Scilly and Creative Skills, Cornwall on a programme of continuing professional development for artists wishing to work within the health care sector as part of design teams for the major capital projects taking place in Cornwall. Further details will be available at the beginning of 2004. Late Autumn should also see the publication of «Designing our Environment: towards a better built environment in the South West'. Public Art South West has been closely involved with this from its inception, as part of our aim to integrate artists' activity within mainstream regeneration and development projects. Further details will be available on our website in due course. We are also currently advertising for a public art officer. This is a new post, and one made possible by an increase in our annual grant from Arts Council England, South West. We are delighted to be able to offer this post, which offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and influence public art development in the region.