Public Art In Newlands
The first phase of plans for public art in Waterlooville have taken a step forward after being given the go ahead by council officials.
Residents have been asked for their views on the plans for public art in Waterlooville
Winchester City Council’s cabinet member for business and culture, Cllr Lucille Thompson, approved phase one of the work that will take place in Newlands which falls within the city council’s administrative boundary over the next two years. It will be used to inform future phases, a report said.
She approved a budget of up to £169,998 that has been generated from money paid by developers for the benefit of residents in the area, also known as Berewood, and that consultants Studio Response continue in the contract.
Cllr Neil Cutler, chair of the West of Waterlooville forum, said he was pleased the management of the public art plan had returned to Winchester City Council because needs have changed over the last 12 years since it started.
He said it was exciting for residents. This report outlines the renewed plan for public art in the West of Waterlooville and includes an overview of the work done to date, the findings of consultation, and vision and objectives for the next 10 years.
The public art plan aims to include and involve and language with a sense of place. The strategy looked at three case studies of other projects that signpost words on buildings, pavements, even bus stops. The first phase will be centred around writing/storytelling and the power of words to connect people.
The programme will feature two complementary strands of creative activity working together. The purpose of the scheme is to overcome geographic challenges and use art as a tool to bring people together.
The community will be empowered to participate and have their say in a meaningful way.
Studio Response will work with the recently-appointed community development manager at Grainger to amplify messaging and increase engagement with the plan moving forward. The project comes at a time when Havant Borough Council, which has administrative control over the majority for Waterlooville, is promoting an agenda of regeneration for the town.