Art on Greenwich Peninsula: Artists Making Places Conference
Art on Greenwich Peninsula: Artists Making Places, Conference
Year
2008
Client
GLA (formerly HCA / EP) Arts Council England
London Borough Greenwich Greenwich Peninsula (Lend Lease / Quintain JV)
Greenwich Millennium Village (Countryside / Taylor Wimpey JV)
Collaborator
Vivienne Reiss
Services
Cultural Strategy
Delivery of Art Programme
Location
Greenwich peninsula, London
Art on Greenwich Peninsula: Artists Making Places Conference
The culmination to the Art on Greenwich Peninsula programme was this international conference, which focussed on art and regeneration and the different roles of artists. There is an increasing recognition of the multiple skills and knowledge of artists, not only in relation to the production of art object, but also as facilitators of creative ideas and engagement with communities, all of which can have a positive impact on the regeneration process. A key role of artists is contributing to a ‘sense of place’. The conference to place making as its theme. Moving beyond the notion of physical or geographic place and exploring the social aspects of place - building communities and developing community cohesion. The conference explored the ways in which artists may be agents in this process and related practical, ethical and aesthetic considerations and responsibilities.
The conference, attended by over 150 people (sold out), was intended to be thought provoking and inspirational, creating new insights informed by the national and international contributors. It addressed the social issues around place making, situated within the specific context of Greenwich peninsula and explored through a variety of case studies.
“I had really no preconceived ideas about the peninsula, but it has certainly made if a ‘place to watch.”
A commissioned text written by the chair, Declan McGonagle, and circulated in advance of the event provided provocation for both the speakers and the audience. Delegates comprised developers, regeneration professionals, curators, artists, local authority arts officers and students.
The event included presentations, panel discussions, film screenings, performances and contributions from the audience. Speakers included Laurie Peake (Liverpool Biennial), artist Faisal Abdu’Allah, Anna Hart (AIR- Archway Investigations & Responses), artist Julian Walker, Nick Ewbank (Creative Foundation, Folkestone), and artist Bob and Roberta Smith. The keynote was given by International artist, Alfredo Jaar who presented projects that he had devised that demonstrated the artist as catalyst for change. His approach is about dialogue and collaboration, rather than trying to convey a message.
“It reinforced the fact that as it becomes a place where more people live and spend a lot of time, that public and participative art should be as accessible as possible to those who use the space.”
Sarah Butler introduced Almost an Island? the outcome of her work as writer in residence on the peninsula, working with local people exploring the area through words, sounds and stories. Sarah and performance poet Aoife Mannix performed and presented the soundscape which they had created with local residents and workers. Representing the lives and stories of those living, working or connected with Greenwich peninsula.