. . . innovation & the future

 

case study: New Eyes - Blackdown Hills AONB

Picking up on issues of artists’ confidence in their digital skills raised in relation to projects with young people, New Eyes is a two year programme aimed at all creative people in the Blackdown Hills area wanting to improve their knowledge of new media.

New Eyes consists of 12 commissions, each involving new technology, either as an integral part of its delivery or as a tool for documentation. Free training and support are offered as part of the commission.

The processes involved with setting up this project have been exemplary. The Blackdown Hills AONB Service funds a part time arts officer post via its Leader Plus programme. She assembled a team with the appropriate skills to plan and deliver the project, including Somerset Film and Video Ltd, a media arts development agency, specialising in training.

New Eyes was launched at a two day conference in Autumn 2005. The aim of this conference was to explore the use of digital technology in arts practice and act as a catalyst to inspire high quality applications for the commissions on offer.

The commissions were awarded in May 2006, and will culminate in exhibitions at the Brewhouse in Taunton and the Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton in Summer 2007, coinciding with Devon’s Nine Days of Art.

This website features animations created by Dane Watkins in response to Natural Partners - arts in the protected landscape. As part of the New Eyes Project, Dane has used his home in the Blackdown Hills, to set up a temperature and wind gauge to create a temperamental weather station that produces wind powered animations.

 

case study: Centre for Contemporary Art & the Natural World (CCANW)

Recognising the value of the arts in recording and interpreting our changing relationship with nature, this unique arts centre has been established in Haldon Forest in Teignbridge, Devon, by the Forestry Commission, the South West of England Regional Development Agency and Arts Council England, South West.

Opened in 2006, CCANW will deliver an integrated arts and education programme spanning all forms of contemporary arts, including architecture, design and
new media.

 

case study: Stories from the Stone Forest - Oddbodies Theatre Company

Oddbodies Theatre Company has received investment from Arts Council England, South West to research and record the memories, stories, occupations and traditions of people living and working in the Dartmoor
National Park.

The intention is to work with communities across the moor toward the creation of a number of site specific performances. The company also wants to involve a wide range of practitioners and skills in the creative process, giving opportunities for artists to share skills.

 

case study: Stables Studios and the National Disability Arts Collection & Archive - Holton Lee

Overlooking Poole Harbour in Dorset, Holton Lee is a centre that exists to empower disabled people and their carers. The Stables Studio complex comprises four fully accessible artists studios that are available for fine art, sculpture and digital arts.

Recognising the need for a national collection and archive of Disability Arts work, Holton Lee is taking the lead to develop this facility as part of its 350 acre site.

 

case study: Durlston Castle - Gateway to the Jurassic Coast

The lease on Durlston Castle in Swanage, Dorset, was purchased by the South West of England Regional Development Agency in 2003. Together with Dorset County Council, they plan to transform the site into a gateway centre for the Jurassic Coast. This £6 million pound scheme is part of the Jurassic Coast Art Strategy and will involve artists making links between the historic and contemporary significance of the site.

While this is very much a work in progress, the artist Lulu Quinn was appointed as an integral part of the design team to challenge preconceptions and broaden the imaginative vision for the project.

Lulu Quinn brought an innovative approach to the design and interpretation of the site. One of her first roles was as a member of the interview panel to select the architects Long and Kentish.

Ongoing evaluation of the project, by PASW, indicates that significant respect has been developed for the skills she has brought to the job. The following quotes, provided by PASW, come from members of the team, including Interpretation Consultants.

"Her artistic perspective added to the creative process and made an important contribution in identifying the nature of the visitor experience we are trying to provide. As interpretive planners and designers we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate more frequently with artists such as Lulu Quinn."

"I think it is fair to say that without this artistic input we would not have been able to deliver the world-class product that we now believe we have."