Prestigious artist shortlist revealed for new public artwork
Winchester City Council and Havant Borough Council have announced a shortlist of internationally-renowned artists for the first phase of a major public art programme within the West of Waterlooville development.
Funded by planning contributions from developer Grainger PLC, the programme aims to create a distinctive identity for the new housing now being constructed on the Berewood site.
The first phase includes both the ‘Gateway’ to the development from Grainger Street and the planned Town Park. Place-making and public art agency Futurecity has been appointed to curate and manage the project in consultation with a local Arts Advisory Panel.
The artists that have been invited to submit proposals are:
- Marcus Coates
- Heather and Ivan Morison
- Lone Twin
- Wayward Plants
They will make comprehensive submissions over the summer, and will then present their ideas to the Arts Advisory Panel in September when the preferred proposal will be chosen for delivery.
The selected artist will then develop their commission, working closely with local residents, arts and heritage organisations and amenity groups, with a view to completing installation by the end of 2016.
In developing their ideas, the shortlisted artists have been asked to explore themes specific to the area such as the ancient woodland, local history and agriculture.
Winchester City Council’s Cllr Kirk Phillips, who chairs the West of Waterlooville Arts Advisory Panel, said:
Thanks to the art contribution from Grainger we will ensure that the Berewood site has real character, with interesting features to spark conversation and maybe even controversy. We believe that the artists on our shortlist will involve and excite the people who live in the development and those from the surrounding areas. The arts programme will play an important part in helping to turn West of Waterlooville into a true community.
Cllr Caren Tarrant, Havant Borough Council’s representative on the panel, added:
I am pleased that Grainger are funding this project and will be looking forward to hearing the proposals from the artists in September.
Chris Fletcher, from the developer Grainger PLC, said:
Commissioning public art is a complex process and we are delighted to have FutureCity on board, as a leading consultancy with a track record of delivering a wide range of international art projects. We are certain that the art commissions will create a sense of pride of place for those living in Berewood.
The West of Waterlooville (WoW) development area spreads across the boundaries of the two local council districts of Winchester and Havant in the South of Hampshire. 3,000 homes are being built on land between Denmead (in Winchester District) and Purbrook and Waterlooville (in Havant Borough) over the course of about ten years.