ixia: public art think tank

ixia has taken over the ownership and management of Public Art Online from Arts Council England. The design and content of the website are currently being reviewed.

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UK

Selected links to interesting websites on public art, architecture, urban and landscape design, and resources relevant to public art practice from all over the UK.

General

  • AN - The Artists Information Company

    Online resource for emerging and established visual and applied artists and commissioners and collaborators.  Includes interactive legal contracts and fees toolkits, daily-updated Jobs and Opps service, plus articles, blogs and profiles of artists, organisations and contemporary visual arts projects.

    www.a-n.co.uk

  • Art in the Open

    This site is for all those involved in the commissioning process in London – from local authorities, public sector clients and developers to artists, architects, arts organisations and curators. It includes information and research on public art.

    www.artintheopen.org.uk

  • Artangel

    Organisation specialising in commissioning ephemeral and temporary work at the cutting edge of practice. Includes projects in preparation and an archive.

    www.artangel.org.uk

  • Artists Professional Development Network

    A network of organisations which offer professional development to support artists' practice through information, advice, training and professional development programmes.

    www.apd-network.info

  • Artplus - the Award Scheme for Art in Public Places

    The award scheme is for public art initiatives in the south east of England. The site contains full details of how artists and organisation can apply and case studies of projects funded in the past.

    www.artscouncil.org.uk/artplusawards

  • Artquest

    Contains over 300 pages of information, advice, articles and links to helpful organisations of interest to artists and craftspeople. The Q&A section provides a free online legal advice service for artists and craftspeople in England.

    www.artquest.org.uk

  • Artquest Artlaw Archive

    This important historical archive of the Artlaw columns written by Henry Lydiate for Art Monthly is free to view and search online and covers over 25 years of visual arts related issues.

    www.artquest.org.uk/artlaw

  • Arts & Ecology

    Arts & Ecology is a partnership between the RSA and Arts Council England. The website has details of projects, conferences and publications, and is a directory of the work of many artists, writers and agencies across arts forms.

    www.artsandecology.org

  • Arts Council England

    Information on the work of the new national body for the arts, including funding schemes, art forms and web links.

    www.artscouncil.org.uk

  • Arts Council of Northern Ireland

    The lead development agency for the artis in Northern Ireland.

    www.artscouncil-ni.org

  • Arts Council of Wales

    Website for the Arts Council of Wales.

    www.artswales.org.uk

  • Axis

    On-line database of artists and craftspeople in the UK searchable by art form, material and location. Back-up service for more detailed searches, artists' CVs and contact information. Includes a new public realm section which showcases an expanding selection of projects in a variety of public contexts, nominated by advisors from across the UK.

    www.axisweb.org

  • Crafts Council

    Details of the Council?s services including financial support for makers, publications and exhibitions at its London base.

    www.craftscouncil.org.uk

  • David Harding: Index of Public Art Articles 1969-1994

    A selection of english language magazine articles from a much larger bibliography which was collected for David Harding's own research and to assist his students.

    www.davidharding.net/publicart/index.php

  • Inside Out

    An Arts Council South East developmental project procuring deaf and disabled artists to respond to architecture and the environment

    www.art-architecture.co.uk/insideout

  • ixia

    Website for ixia (formerly Public Art Forum), the national body for the support and development of public art practice in the UK.

    www.ixia-info.com

  • Landscape + Arts Network

    Aims to bring together landscape architects, engineers, architects, artists, educationalists and ecologists to improve and sustain the quality of the urban and natural environment

    www.landartnet.org

  • Littoral

    Littoral aims to develop new arts projects in response to issues about social, environmental, and cultural change, The site contains background to the initiative, details of current programmes, research, projects and publications. A particular focus is the role of art in the crisis facing agriculture.

    www.littoral.org.uk

  • Locus+

    Based in the north of England, Locus+ is a public art commissioning agency which works internationally and facilitates artists? initiatives that present challenging work in non-traditional locations.

    www.locusplus.org.uk

  • Mailout

    On-line magazine for people who are working creatively in community setting, complementing the national print magazine. Has a good archive section listing past articles on public art.

    www.e-mailout.org

  • Public Art Research Archive, Sheffield Hallam University

    Includes academic papers, brief case studies of public art in Sheffield and an extensive links page.

    public-art.shu.ac.uk

  • Public Art Resource+Research Scotland

    A new initiative being developed by the Scottish Arts Council that aims to promote excellence and innovation within public art, by building the capacity, knowledge and expertise of people working in public art across Scotland.

    www.publicartscotland.com

  • Public Monuments and Sculpture Association

    A searchable database of sculpture and monuments in the UK which can be viewed in public places, from the earliest works to the present day. Mainly concentrates on historical statues and monuments.

    www.pmsa.org.uk

  • Recent review of the Artlaw Archive in The Guardian

    blogs.guardian.co.uk/art/2007/08/web_sights_the_best_legal_fun.html

  • Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

    The RSA aims to encourage innovation and creativity throughout society and supports an Arts & Ecology programme.

    www.rsaartsandecology.org.uk

  • Royal Society of British Sculptors

    Aimed at sculptors, the site contains information on events/activities of the Society, an online gallery and magazine, commissioning information, publications, resources and an archive.

    www.rbs.org.uk

  • Scottish Arts Council

    The lead body for the funding, development and advocacy of the arts in Scotland.

    www.scottisharts.org.uk

  • The Visual Arts and Galleries Association

    A membership body which represents the interests of organisations and individuals concerned with the exhibition, interpretation and development of modern and contemporary visual art for the public.

    www.vaga.co.uk

  • The-Science-Lab.com

    Directory of environment related websites.

    www.the-science-lab.com

  • Visual Artists Ireland

    Visual Artists Ireland is an all Ireland body for professional visual artists. It provides services, facilities and resources for artists, initiates artistic projects and publications and acts as an advocate on behalf of individual artists.

    www.visualartists.ie

  • Visual Artists Ireland: Infopool

    Infopool is an initiative of Visual Artists Ireland that provides a resource for artists on all aspects of their professional development, including contracts, copyright, tax, health and safety and much more.

    www.visualartists.ie/sfr_infopool.html

  • working pArts

    www.working-parts.com/

Projects

  • A13 Artscape

    One of the largest and most innovative public art projects in the UK taking place around the A13 in Barking and Dagenham, East London.

    www.lbbd.gov.uk/4-arts-culture/a13/a13artscape-menu.html

  • Art and Architecture at Kielder

    Project commissioning contemporary architecture with shelter as the starting point,run by the Kielder Partnership which started in 1995 as part of Kielder Forest's sustainable tourism strategy.

    www.kielder.org/visart.htm

  • Art at the Centre

    Arts Council England, South East's Art at the Centre initiative makes awards to local authorities to enable artists to contribute to the public realm design process from the outset.

    www.aatc.org.uk

  • Art in the Public Realm on the Greenwich Peninsula

    Maps and walking routes to view public art in this important regeneration area.

    www.artongreenwichpeninsula.com

  • Art on the Metro

    Guide to the very extensive public art programme on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

    www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Art+on+Transport/

  • Art on the Underground

    Vision: World Class Art for a World Class Tube

    The Art on the Underground mission: to provide a world-class programme of contemporary art that enriches the Tube environment and their customers’ journey experience; and continues the long-standing tradition that excellent art and design is at the core of London Underground's identity and services.

    art.tfl.gov.uk/

  • Artists in the City

    Website for the programme involving artists in the regeneration of Reading's town centre with commissions incorporating live performance, sound and digital technology.

    www.artistsinthecity.org.uk

  • Audientia

    Fascinating site recording the findings of West Midlands Arts? action research project looking at public art and its audiences in Birmingham

    www.audientia.info

  • B of the Bang

    Website detailing the design, engineering, construction and design team for the sculpture designed by Thomas Heatherwick Studio and unveiled in January 2005.

    www.bofthebang.com

  • Breathing In; Time Out

    Virtual meeting place for this project in Cardiff by Dutch artist Jeroen van Westen, commissioned by a commercial client, which explores the whole operation of a landfill site.

    www.breathing-in.org

  • Canary Wharf

    Features information on public art at Canary Wharf in the Lifestyle>Arts and Events section, included in downloadable leaflets on Walking Tours and Architecture and Design.

    www.canarywharf.com

  • Cardiff Public Art Register

    The Cardiff Public Art Register (2008) is a guide and research tool that promotes past and present public artworks across the city. An audit of artworks has been undertaken and the register currently consists of information and photos relating to 200 permanent and temporary artworks that have been installed in Cardiff since 1853.

    www.cardiff.gov.uk/publicart

  • Cass Sculpture Foundation at Goodwood

    The foundation supports 21st century British sculpture and has a collection of 60 large-scale sculptures by Britain's leading artists in 26 acres of Sussex woodland.

    www.sculpture.org.uk

  • Centro

    Public art programme for the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive which covers the West Midlands metropolitan area.

    www.centro.org.uk

  • Coast

    The website of a major three year visual arts project along the Essex coast which began in 2003 during which a series of newly commissioned permanent and temporary artworks are being installed.

    www.coastart.org

  • Constellations: Attwood Green Public Art Strategy

    Ambitious strategy for sculptural light-based artworks for the Attwood Green area of Birmingham commissioned by the Optima Community Association.

    www.hightideproductions.co.uk/constellations/intro.htm

  • Creative Remedies

    The arts and health website for Staffordshire and the West Midlands. It includes examples of projects, showcases good practice and offers advice and networking opportunities for artists, health professionals and others in arts and health work.

    www.creative-remedies.org.uk

  • Cultural Mapping Art Programme, Leicester

    An information resource on the Leicester City Council led partnership project to create 15 site specific artworks to mark entrances, significant sites, and routes through Leicester.

    www.leicester.gov.uk/publicart/index.html

  • Finding Space

    FindingSpace.org has been launched to explore models of environmental development, art and architecture within psychiatric hospitals in order to inform and expand environmental development at Dykebar Hospital, Paisley.

    www.findingspace.org

  • Folkestone Triennial

    The Triennial is a three-yearly exhibition of works which will be specially commissioned for public spaces throughout Folkestone. The first Folkestone Triennial will be held in September 2008.

    www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk

  • Gunpowder Park

    A new country park within the Lee Valley Regional Park which is dedicated to arts led collaborations exploring the relationship between the public and urban and rural environments.

    www.gunpowderpark.org

  • In Certain Places

    An art initiative which consists of three mutually supportive elements: the Lead Artist scheme, Here + Now and Speaking of Art, developed in response to the imminent regeneration of Preston City Centre.

    www.incertainplaces.org

  • Inspire

    Inspire is the South East Northumberland Public Art & Design Initiative, set up in 2003 to improve the built and natural environment through the involvement of artists and advocating quality design.

    www.toinspire.co.uk

  • Liverpool Biennial

    Liverpool's Public Art Development Team, based with the Biennial but distinct from it, is working on public art initiatives towards Liverpool's year as City of Culture in 2008.

    www.biennial.com

  • Milton Keynes Art Walks

    Information on public art in Milton Keynes and suggested ?artwalks? around the city.

    www.miltonkeynesartwalks.co.uk

  • NEWcastle

    A site created by American artist Laurie Halsey Brown, supported by a Talking Artist Award from PROJECT, designed to promote dialogue between the architectural community and the users they design for.

    www.movinginplace.net/NEWcastle

  • Nocturne - the light on the Tyne

    A project to devise an unique lighting scheme for the QEII Metro Bridge that links Gateshead and Newcastle. Part of Art on Transport.

    www.metronocturne.com

  • Panopticons

    A large-scale project to create six new architect-designed landmarks for East Lancashire. The site contains information on the sites, winning designs and progress reports.

    www.panopticons.uk.net

  • Poetry Landmarks of Britain

    Details of the Poetry Society's Landsmarks of Britain project which includes over 20 public art projects using poetry.

    www.poetrysociety.org.uk/landmark

  • Portavilion

    Portavilion is a portable public art project that occupies a trail of famous parks across Central London throughout the summer. A group of highly acclaimed international contemporary artists present their own ‘pavilions' specially created for a park environment.

    www.upprojects.com/portavilion/about.htm

  • Stour Valley Arts

    A project based in King's Wood, Challock in Kent which aims to increase public awareness and enjoyment of contemporary art and the environment.

    www.stourvalleyarts.org.uk

  • Sustrans

    Includes information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans? commissions programme, with a searchable database of 279 artworks nationally.

    www.sustrans.org.uk

  • The Big Art Project

    Channel 4 project to inspire and create six different pieces of new public art in the UK for a TV programme to be screened in Autumn 2007. Useful Artcheck list designed by Urban Design Alliance (UDAL).

    www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/B/bigart/

  • The DLR Public Art Programme

    A public art programme for the Docklands' Light Railway in East London, aiming to enhance existing and future stations, new lines and public spaces with artworks that are innovative, inspirational and engaging.

    www.dlrart.co.uk

  • The Inverness Public Art Programme

    Part of the Inverness City Partnership, this programme aims to create opportunities for artists and communities to participate in the design, look and feel of the city.

    www.citypartnership.org.uk/Public-Art-g.asp

  • The Northern Way: New Icons of the North

    An ambitious initiative investing £4.5m into supporting public art projects is seeking to change perceptions of the North of England. Funded by the Northern Way, this is the largest public art programme of its kind in Britain. It brings together internationally renowned artists, expert project teams and diverse locations to make a significant impact on people and places in the North and beyond.

    www.thenorthernway.co.uk/icons/default.asp?id=2

  • Thurrock : A Visionary Brief in the Thames Gateway

    Website for General Public Agency's commission from Thurrock Council to bring new and creative thinking to bear on the big issues that will affect the communities of the Thames Gateway over the next decades.

    www.visionarythurrock.org.uk

  • Two Minds Art and Architecture Initiative

    Organised by The Royal Society of Ulster Architects in association with Arts and Business, ten artists and ten architects have come together to collaborate in partnership for 2007. The first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

    www.twominds.info/

  • Vicinitee - the space around us

    The website is provided by Broadgate Estates to make its buildings work better, by connecting the owner, manager and local neighbourhood with the occupier. Includes a Photogallery with images of Art at Broadgate and Art at Work.

    www.vicinitee.com

  • Vital Arts

    Vital Arts delivers a collaborative programme of integrated arts projects for patients, staff and the wider hospital community of Barts & The London NHS Trust.

    www.vitalarts.org.uk

Commissioning Agencies

Design Professions

  • Architects for Health

    An independent membership group formed by architects to bring together individuals and organisations who share an interest in excellence in healthcare facility design.

    www.architectsforhealth.com

  • Architecture and Design Scotland

    A new non departmental public body, established by the Scottish Executive as the national champion for good architecture, design and planning in the built environment.

    www.ads.org.uk

  • Architecture.com

    One of the world's most extensive built environment portals, courtesy of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Sections include reference, library, using an architect, careers and debate.

    www.architecture.com

  • Art and Architecture

    A&A promotes the collaboration between Art, Architecture and Landscape for a more stimulating environment. The site includes the society?s history, newsletter, lecture programme, a general list of forthcoming conferences, their Member Network, and a searchable International Practitioners Network database.

    www.artandarchitecture.co.uk

  • Building in Context

    An initiative to help deliver better design solutions in historic areas across the South East region, managed by Kent Architecture Centre. It comprises workshops and a publication, the Building in Context Toolkit.

    www.building-in-context.co.uk/

  • Comisiwn Dylunio Cymru (Design Commission for Wales)

    Recently launched website for the Design Commission for Wales.

    www.dcfw.org

  • Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

    Government agency set up to promote high quality design and architecture and raise the standard of the built environment. CABE offers free advice to government, local authorities and private clients. The extensive resource bank of well laid out, succinct case studies includes some of the UK?s best buildings, regeneration initiatives and public spaces.

    www.cabe.org.uk

  • MADE - Midlands Architecture and the Design Environment

    MADE is the architecture centre for the West Midlands region: urban, suburban and rural areas.

    www.made.org.uk

  • Resource for Urban Design Information

    Subscription-only information resource covering all aspects of urban design, including city profiles, case studies, design guidance, bibliographies, journals, events diary, original essays and links.

    www.rudi.net

  • RIAS (The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland)

    The professional body for chartered architects in Scotland, and the foremost professional institute in the country dealing with architecture and the built environment.

    www.rias.org.uk

  • RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)

    The professional body for architects in Britain. Includes sections on member services, news and view, competitions, education, library, events, awards and CPD.

    www.riba.org

  • RICS (Royal Institition of Chartered Surveyors)

    RICS is the leading source of land, property, construction and related environmental knowledge. It promotes best practice, represents consumers' interests and provides impartial advice to society, businesses, governments and global organisations.

    www.rics.org

  • Royal Society of Ulster Architects

    The professional body representing architects in Northern Ireland.

    www.rsua.org.uk

  • The Academy of Urbanism

    Self funded organistion formed to extend urban discourse beyond built environment professionals, and to create an autonomous and politically independent learned voice.

    www.academyofurbanism.org.uk

  • The Architecture Centre Network

    The independent body that co-ordinates, supports and advances the work of architecture and related centres in the UK.

    www.architecturecentre.net

  • The Architecture Foundation

    Events, projects and activities of the Foundation, with a link to the Creative Spaces site (

    www.architecturefoundation.org.uk

  • The Landscape Institute

    The national organisation in the UK for landscape professional designing in both urban and rural locations.

    www.landscapeinstitute.org

  • The Royal Town Planning Institute

    The RTPI exists to advance the science and art of town planning for the benefit of the public.

    www.rtpi.org.uk

  • Urban Design Alliance

    UDAL is an alliance between the major organisations involved in urban design including surveyors, architects, planning, engineers and conservation.

    www.udal.org.uk

  • Urban Design Group

    Formed to bring together people involved in the decision-making, creation and use of the urban environment, and as a forum for independent debate on urban design issues. The site is linked to the RUDI site and is mainly subscription only.

    www.udg.org.uk

Regeneration

  • British Urban Regeneration Association

    BURA promotes Best Practice in regeneration, and is the leading independent organisation for Urban Regeneration in the UK.

    www.bura.org.uk

  • Chartered Institute of Housing

    The non-profit organisation representing professionals working in housing in the UK.

    www.cih.org

  • Department for Communities and Local Government

    The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has a remit to promote community cohesion and equality, as well as having responsibility for housing, urban regeneration, planning and local government.

    www.communities.gov.uk

  • Design for Homes

    The UK knowledge centre for home design.

    www.designforhomes.org

  • DirectGov

    Portal for public information for all government departments, with very good contacts pages for quangos such as the Environment Agency and Countryside Agency.

    www.direct.gov.uk

  • Groundwork Arts Toolkit

    The site provides inspiration, ideas and practical assistance to Groundwork Trust staff who want to use the arts within regeneration projects and to artists who want to learn more about the way that Groundwork engages with the arts.

    www.artandregeneration.com

  • Hidden Worlds: Arts on allotments and green spaces

    Part of Groundwork East Midland’s Creative Regeneration Programme, Hidden Worlds has investigated innovative ways to both engage communities with green spaces and animate those spaces.

    www.creativeregeneration.com/Hidden%20Worlds

  • Neighbourhood Renewal Unit

    The Department responsible for Neighbourhood Renewal within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

    www.neighbourhood.gov.uk

  • Planning Resource

    Useful resource for those involved in regeneration projects. Some free access to content, but mainly by subscription to the RTPI, Regeneration and Renewal Magazine or to the website itself.

    www.planningresource.co.uk

  • Regeneration UK

    The regeneration portal for the UK.

    www.regeneration-uk.com

  • Renewal Net

    The on-line guide to what works in neighbourhood renewal from the ODPM's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.

    www.renewal.net

  • The Improvement and Development Agency (The IDeA)

    The IDeA works in partnership with all councils, to enhance the performance of the best, accelerate the speed of improvement of the rest, and develop the sector as a whole.

    www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk

  • Urban Forum

    This is an umbrella body for community and voluntary groups with interests in urban and regional policy, especially regeneration.

    www.urbanforum.org.uk