Stirchley Prospects
Date uploaded: March 20, 2013
Stirchley Prospects
Emma Larkinson and Jayne Murray, Place Prospectors
Commissioned and published by ixia, the public art think tank
Introduction:
Artist Jayne Murray and place maker Emma Larkinson, aka Place Prospectors CIC, look back at their project within Stirchley, south Birmingham, describing a self-initiated engagement project they explore how their work has brought about change at a neighbourhood level through artistic interventions.
About the authors: Place Prospectors was formed in January 2011 - building on the significant track records of its Directors, Jayne Murray and Emma Larkinson and their work in the field of arts and the public realm.
Jayne has practiced as an artist in the public realm since 1996. She has worked for a variety of clients regionally, nationally and internationally, initiating projects and responding to briefs to develop the use and role of art in everyday life. Her practice is defined by participation with people who live in and use particular places. By using a variety of familiar forms she delivers an accessible critical and relevant process and product. She is experienced in engaging with different publics to create specific artworks in addition to being part of design teams and the planning process. She has undertaken the role of lead artist on several occasions, collaborating and mentoring other artists with successful results.
Emma has been engaged in public art practice for over 20 years, firstly with one of the leading public art agencies and was Director of ixia - the public art think tank for 5 years. In the interim she was Public Art & Architecture officer at the Arts Council West Midlands. Since 2005 she has practiced as a freelance consultant working with a number of agencies and organisations across the public and private sectors. Her commitment lies in the opportunity for artists to contribute to the design and development of the public realm in the widest possible way. Public art practice is by its nature a local practice and her interest to extend the impact of the creative process of working led to the collaboration with Jayne Murray which has resulted in a number of successful projects for clients such as, Warrington Borough Council, Optima Community Association and Creative Partnerships.