Archived press release

Date Published: 28/04/08

The Transport Hub

Aylesbury Vale District Council is asking for feedback on a consultation about public art and its place in the district.

The consultation will form the basis of a public art strategy which will plan future projects and look at ways to involve the community in public art.

AVDC has received Arts Council funding to commission Artpoint, a regional public art agency, to develop the strategy for the Vale.

Aylesbury Vale has a thriving arts community, and the district council is keen to build on this talent, its wealth of outstanding architecture, and current public art initiatives.

Last year AVDC received Arts Council funding to commission artists to work alongside architects to integrate public art into the £18.5 million Aylesbury Public Transport Hub project.

Passengers going to Aylesbury's new look bus station, due for completion by the end of the year, will be able to take in the largest piece of enamelled panel artwork in the country.

Landscaped scenes from around Aylesbury Vale by local artist Laura Boswell will flank the newly refurbished walls of Great Western Street on route to the station.

Another local artist, Sarah Jane Worthington, has been commissioned to produce original artwork inspired by the local black poplar tree to feature on a glass lift that will be part of a new pedestrian bridge linking south Aylesbury to the railway station, the bus station and the town centre.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Public art can play an important role in achieving many of the council’s key objectives by helping to regenerate areas and improve the quality of life of residents and visitors. The Arts Council believes there is scope for more public art in the district, but before we can benefit from their support and help to draw in funding from developers and other sources a consultation process must take place involving all members of the local community. We would like to find out what people would like to see and how they would like to be involved in future projects.”

Public art should always be something that the public can experience freely. It can include schemes as diverse as the Axis sculpture in Vale Park, exhibitions, performances and carnivals.

To get involved in the public art consultation, please visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk and click on the Have your say link to download the consultation form.

Residents can respond to the consultation by emailing katherine.corr@artpoint-trust.org.uk or by writing to Katherine Corr, Artpoint Trust, 2 Littlegate Street, Oxford, OX1 1QT.