PASW Regional Newsletter: Spring 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 - has now been up and running for 8 months and to date has had over 15,000 visits - which have now settled down to between 750 - 900 per week. Interestingly over 30% of visits are from overseas.
The resource is updated monthly, with exciting new case studies being added at regular intervals. The events/Notices section is proving popular but we are not getting the contributions to the Debates section that we had hoped. So don't be shy, start committing all those thoughts, theories and concerns to cyberspace and get in touch!
The site also contains a list of selected public art projects within the region, many of which are illustrated. So if you have anything you wish to be added please get in touch.
New Initiatives:
PASW has been working closely with SWA on the development of an Architecture and Built Environment Strategy for the South West, which is aimed at fostering conditions conducive to good architecture, urban design and integrated public art and promote the benefits of good design. A small steering group met several times over the summer to agree a way forward. The Commission for the Built Environment and RIBA Future Studies have both put money into the appointment of a consultant who will undertake this important work during the early part of 2001.We believe that the formulation of a commonly owned strategy is a unique initiative and will lead to an exciting period of development for the South West. Keep an eye on www.publicartonline.org.uk for further information.
Local Authorities:
The South West is about to get its first designated public art post. PASW has been working with closely with Bristol City Council on the development of a public art strategy and as part of this work, is part funding the post of Strategic Public Art Officer. We have also been involved in the formulation of a designated public art project management post for Bristol Legible City, which will ensure that the opportunities this major public art project offers will be fully exploited.
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 with Local Plans etc. We are currently involved in various projects including the Devonport Urban Village initiative, Cornwall NHS public art strategy, and major regeneration projects in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Maggie Bolt, Director, PASW