Review calls for more arts involvement in the built environment
Date uploaded: August 22, 2014
The contribution that the cultural sector can make to the planning, design and animation of the public realm and architecture should be reinforced, according to an independent review commissioned by the Culture Minister.
Proposals for achieving a step-change in the way that the future built environment is planned and designed are starting to be implemented following the conclusion of the Farrell Review of Architecture and the Built Environment (FAR). The independent Review, commissioned by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and led by architect Sir Terry Farrell, sought contributions from government, institutions, agencies, the cultural and creative industries and the public. The report, published earlier this year, included more than 60 recommendations for improving the built environment, grouped under five themes that relate to education and skills, design quality, economic benefits, policy and cultural heritage.
Although few participants from the arts sector were involved in the review and most of the wide-ranging proposals are aimed at architects, planners and government, the role of artists and the arts is highlighted. The report calls upon Arts Council England (ACE) and the Crafts Council to research and reinforce the contribution that the cultural sector can make to the planning, design and animation of the public realm and architecture, describing the arts and artists as “well placed to creatively engage individuals and communities and give voice to their sense of place, their concerns, and their aspirations for the areas they live, work and play in.”
For the full story from Arts Professional click here.
