Booklet on North East public artwork launched
Nov 13 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
PUBLIC artworks, it seems, are everywhere. Environment Editor Tony Henderson reports on a passion for our times.
And what will future generations make of the wave of artworks? “Hopefully, people in the future will think our time was a very creative and inventive time,” said Rebecca.
“Commissions have come from organisations like local authorities, developers, health trusts, and as part of regeneration schemes. There has been a huge variety of clients.
“A lot of money has been spent on regeneration in the North East and public art is part of that process.
“In some cases there has been a bit of competition between towns and councils, but generally the value has been seen of what are unique artworks. They become part of the landscape and points of interest which are a starting point to stimulate discussion.”
The artworks in the booklet can be found in public or private places, shopping centres, business parks, museums, theatres, hotels, swimming pools and a farmer’s field among other places.
Newcastle poet Anna Woodford, who wrote the booklet, said “Public art can enhance our environment and challenge our perceptions.”
Matthew Jarratt, arts officer for Commissions North, said: “Public art has a wonderful way of connecting with people on so many different levels, whether it be economical, educational, political, creative or to stimulate regeneration.
“It has a knack of being able to get people talking. It is a powerful medium to which people can communicate a message en mass to a community.”
Neil Hillier, strategic manager for Durham County Council’s Heritage, Culture, Adult and Community Services, said: “We hope this publication provides an outlet for young people to recognise and celebrate the amount of rich heritage they can enjoy in County Durham.
“Residents and visitors to the region don’t realise the strength and depth of our impressive portfolio of stunning public art that perfectly compliments the other aspects of Durham’s world class culture.
“The guide is an ideal opportunity to inspire the next generation of artists and to allow teachers to incorporate public art into classroom situations, enabling young people to learn about their art in County Durham and to install an element of civic pride.”
Artist Andrew Burton created the Durham Cow, a lifesize bronze animal which sits on Durham riverside. It draws on the legend of the Dun Cow and the passage of the body of St Cuthbert to its resting place at Durham.
Andrew said: “Public art has become one of the most important means of creative expression in art today.
“Some of it we love, some of it we hate, but increasingly it’s something cities and communities use to define and express themselves.
“At its best, public art brings an exciting and new dimension to its locality. There is a fantastic variety of imaginative and unexpected processes and materials that are being used. More and more artists are working on public projects, and the best are really inspirational.”
