How we stay relevant
Our collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive practice helps us define our strategy when it comes to developing new media and the skills to use them.
Obviously we want to be able to offer to communities media that interest people. We have to recognise, however, that some media and types of creativity are favoured by development and funding agencies, so we need to respond to these people as well. Fortunately the two are often in harmony, or at least, they can be brought together with a little inspiration and creative argument. Often our choice of media is influenced by the social, personal or community development aims of the project. And whatever medium we suggest, there is often a powerful aspect of storytelling in our projects because this is how the people and the places are connected.
Public Art does not have to be about sculptures, it can be a musical performance, it can be celebratory art, like processions or celebrations. We are always on the look-out not so much for new media as new partners, people who think the way we think and with whom we have shared values.
For example, we are building a relationship with a group of artists who work in cast iron, a medium that will be hugely attractive to communities because it is so dramatic, and also of interest to developers and those who commission work for public spaces. But it brings with it a very steep learning curve, a hugely rich set of opportunities for engagement with all sorts of groups, and quite a demanding requirement for facilities and resources. But this one really is too good to miss.
