Contributed by Ian Moores. 16/05/08

Contributed by Ian. 16/05/08

Art and Architecture, how do they relate in the 21st century ?

In the early 1990 the Per Cent for Art initiative was at the centre of a move to bring Art back into the public domain. It was a scheme which capitalised on the burgeoning art movement in the UK, bringing Art back into the realm of architecture and building by allocating 1 per cent of the project budget for expenditure on Art. The idea originated in the States, and was motivated by the desire of Artists to break free from the economic and ideological constraints of the gallery system.

This move changed perception and Art started to appear in locations which brought it into the realm of everyday life. However the immediate results were, in hindsight, not particularly satisfactory. Art was commissioned by the new Public Art agencies and Regional Development Corporations. Many public spaces and buildings were adorned with work which was not site specific, or rooted in their location. An unforeseen effect of public art agencies was the concept that Public Art was somehow a different kind of art, occupying a world of its own, rather that simply Art viewed outside a gallery.

This was of concern to the Arts Council. The answer was seen to be a greater collaboration between artists and those responsible for creating the built environment. This led to a proliferation of collaborative projects with Architects and professional teams, and was fuelled by increased funding from the national lottery.

How do these collaborations work and can they deliver the aspirations of those commissioning them ? These questions have highlighted a dilemma for architects. Many in the Architectural profession are now busy reclaiming the artistic ground, lost over decades when architecture became viewed as almost exclusively technical and pseudo-scientific. The question for many architects, who feel that they are artists in their own right, is why then allow artists to assume that role ?

Breaking through this notion many architects have realised the power of collaboration and notable examples include Michael Craig-Martin and Herzog & De Meuron (Laban Dance Centre - large scale digitally produced image on vinyl),

Chris Ofili and David Adjaye (British Pavilion), Will Alsop and Bruce McLean. Bruce McLean has also worked with Bauman Lyons Architects on a scheme to revitalise the promenade at Bridlington. Perhaps one of the most interesting outcomes of Artistic collaborations is the inclusion of political and cultural references. But, there are as many varied outcomes as there are collaborations.

Today the inclusion of artistic endeavour alongside the rigours of maintaining a commercially viable architectural practice requires huge determination and effort. Our own practice ARK Design and Architecture is working with Artist Barry Spence to explore the Artist / Architect connection, initially working without a specific project. This kind of time investment is considered essential to forge new directions which will ultimately be expressed in the firms creative output.

The role of the arts is to improve consultation and communication with residents, a role that can be vitally important during times of major change and regeneration. Equally evident are the more personal and social impacts of these art projects, the ways in which they have transformed individual lives, helped bind communities more closely together and create a sense of pride and identity.
Peter Hewitt Arts Council

This statement by Peter Hewitt highlights the importance currently attributed to the arts as a means of connection within communities.

An example of this kind of Artistic intervention is Cabot Circus in Bristol. Cabots is a large retail development where, as part of its arts strategy, Neville Gabie was appointed as artist in Residence for the entire project. Neville became the kingpin in communications between everyone on site and the surrounding area. He also became a kind of humanising component in the fast track development process exerting a hugely positive influence. He developed creative experiments which promoted connection for the many groups of people involved. One such experiment was a cantata performed by the site workers. With so many nationalities represented on site this multi cultural vocal expression was an incredible example of how Art can facilitate communication, thereby assisting the development process.

Funding for Art is available in the UK and any significant proposals need to develop strategies to lever funds from all available sources.

Central government funding in the UK is distributed by the Arts Council. The Arts Council budget is supplemented by income from the lottery fund, private donations and sponsorship. Between 2006-2008 the Arts Council will have invested £1.1 Billion in Arts Projects.

The second largest arts funder after the Arts Council is Local Authorities who play a central role in supporting the Arts Regionally.

With the right approach Art can be a vibrant and lasting expression within any new development.