In 2009, Channel 4 has screened Big Art, a four-part series
following the successes and setbacks of commissioning and creating public art –
when the public get involved.
The series is part of the Big Art Project, an ambitious national public art
initiative by Channel
4, supported by The Art Fund and Arts Council England. The Art
Fund saw the Big Art Project as an exciting opportunity to give people the
chance to choose public art for themselves as well as a way to help create new
public art.
The North West horizon has been dramatically reshaped with
the unveiling of Dream by Jaume
Plensa, which was commissioned by a group of ex-miners in St.Helens. Find out
more on St.Helens' new website dedicated to Dream.
In Burnley, 15 local schoolchildren commissioned a series of ‘invisible’
graffiti artworks hidden in various locations in Burnley town centre. Created by
arts collective Greyworld, the works can only be seen with a special UV
torch.
Big Art tells the story of the evolution of these artworks and of other
artworks that are yet to be completed as well as the highs and lows experienced
by the people who got involved.
During the course of the four episodes,
established artists, curators, and leading figures in the art world – including
Antony Gormley, art critic Jonathan Jones, and David Barrie, former Director of
The Art Fund – discussed alongside members of the general public what art means
to them, and the impact of public art on communities.
The Big Art Project
began in 2005 when people across the country were asked to nominate a site they
felt would benefit from a new piece of public art by an
acclaimed artist. The response was overwhelming with 1,400 applications received
from communities across the UK. After some difficult decision making, seven
sites were chosen:
ˇ Newham
ˇ Burnley
ˇ Cardigan
ˇ Mull
Not only did the people who nominated sites have to choose and work with
artists and curators to create artworks, but also they had to find funding, gain
planning permission as well as political and local support.
Channel 4
also made four 3 Minute Wonders celebrating the work of The Art Fund
which were broadcast 7.55pm on May 11-14 (after Channel 4 news). You can
view the first of these videos here.
To coincide with the Big Art series, The Art Fund hosted two special
sold-out events: an Artist in Conversation with artist Jaume Plensa and art
historian Richard Cork in St.Helens, and debate entitled ‘Can the Public be
Trusted to Choose Public Art?’ at the RSA in London.
The North West horizon has been dramatically reshaped with the unveiling of Dream by Jaume Plensa, which was commissioned by a group of ex-miners in St.Helens. Find out more on St.Helens' new website dedicated to Dream.
During the course of the four episodes, established artists, curators, and leading figures in the art world – including Antony Gormley, art critic Jonathan Jones, and David Barrie, former Director of The Art Fund – discussed alongside members of the general public what art means to them, and the impact of public art on communities.
The Big Art Project began in 2005 when people across the country were asked to nominate a site they felt would benefit from a new piece of public art by an acclaimed artist. The response was overwhelming with 1,400 applications received from communities across the UK. After some difficult decision making, seven sites were chosen:
ˇ Newham
ˇ Burnley
ˇ Cardigan
ˇ Mull
Channel 4 also made four 3 Minute Wonders celebrating the work of The Art Fund which were broadcast 7.55pm on May 11-14 (after Channel 4 news). You can view the first of these videos here.
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Should the public choose public art? What would the implications be? And can we even afford public art in a recession? These were some of the questions explored at The Art Fund’s Big Art Debate on 20 May. Chaired by Jon Snow, Guardian art critic Jonathan Jones and Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry spoke against public involvement, whilst Andrew Shoben from artist collective Greyworld and Munira Mirza, culture adviser to the Mayor of London argued in favour of the public. The controversial title sparked some lively discussions from the panel and heated debate followed as members of the floor contributed their points of view. Individuals involved in the Big Art Project participated, including Gary Conley, one of the St.Helens ex-miners who worked closely with artist Jaume Plensa to create Dream. The debate was also featured on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Jonathan Jones penned his thoughts on his Guardian blog, and BBC arts correspondent Razia Iqbal wrote about the debate on her blog. The Big Art Debate was also previewed in the Times, within a broader feature on the unveiling of Dream. You can listen to the debate and find out more about the project on Channel 4's website. |
An Art Fund 'Artist in Conversation' Jaume Plensa with Richard Cork | |
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On 11 May, internationally renowned artist Jaume Plensa discussed his experiences of working with ex-miners from St. Helens to create Dream. The conversation was led by art historian, critic and broadcaster Richard Cork. The free, public event was held at the Shining Lights Centre, St Helens. A recording of the event will soon be posted on our website. Watch this space. |
