During 2024 we were delighted to have been invited by ixia, to undertake work as a public art advisor as part of their ‘Public Art Support pilot’, with funding from Arts Council England.
The pilot supported three Councils developing public art commissioning projects planned as part of Levelling Up or Town’s Fund programmes.
On Tuesday 19th November 2024 we took part in a webinar which – shared recommendations arising from work with Barnsley, Darlington and St Helens councils; and focused on what works best in relation to early planning and governance approaches for public art commissions.
During the webinar attendees heard from Susie Gray, ixia’s Pilot Programme Manager, pilot advisors and participating Councils. They reflected on current challenges and learnings, that will help enable successful public art commissions that improve places, to be realised.
Further info: in 2024, advisors Hazel Colquhoun, Fran Smith (Beam), and Emma Underhill (Founder & Associate Director, Up Projects) have been critical friends to Barnsley, Darlington and St Helens councils, helping to boost their knowledge and understanding of current contemporary public art practice and processes. See also Public Art Support Pilot (2024).
A recording of the webinar and the case studies which have emerged from the pilot can be found on the ixia website (news tab).