Public Spaces and Public Art
Public art and good design play a key role in regeneration,
generating a sense of regional identity and pride. The NWDA is
committed to what has become known as the 'quality of the public
realm'. It is working with both the public and private
sectors to improve the quality of public spaces in the Northwest's
towns and cities.
The Agency believes strongly that public art can contribute to
the achievement of the Regional Economic Strategy objectives. In
particular, public art can help to:
- Renew and transform urban and rural areas, both developed and
regenerating.
- Restore the environmental deficit through regenerating areas of
dereliction and by investing in the highest quality environmental
assets.
- Project a positive image, reinforcing strong regional brands
and countering negative stereotypes.
- Promote high standards of design, landscaping and architecture
by creating or adding to distinctive public spaces, environments
and buildings.
- Encourage further investment, tourism and employment.
Examples of high quality public art which have been funded by
the NWDA can be seen throughout the region:
- Panopticons
- a major initiative creating six new architect-designed
landmarks for East Lancashire.
- The Great Promenade Show - a series of
artworks along Blackpool's South Shore including ‘They Shoot
Horses Don’t They?’, the world’s largest mirrorball.
- Coastline - a series of urban spaces in
Workington town centre.
- B of the Bang - the UK's tallest sculpture,
commissioned to commemorate the 2002 Commonwealth Games and to mark
the regeneration of East Manchester.
- Spirit of Sport - a giant monument in
Bolton etched with the faces of 900 sporting personalities and
enthusiasts whose hard work has helped to keep sport alive in the
community.
- Queens Gardens – a stunning public garden
transformed into the centrepiece of Warrington’s Cultural
Quarter.
- Liverpool Biennial – a 10-week display of
some of the world’s most exciting visual artists, showcasing their
work in over 40 locations across Liverpool city centre.
- Pride in our Promenades - a distinctive
sculpture of a ‘Sitting Bull’, formerly part of the 1984 Garden
Festival, is being revamped as part of the Mersey Waterfront scheme
in Otterspool.
Further information: