Working with community groups to use the arts to improve public spaces
Contact
2015
Transported On Your Doorstep – an explanatory booklet
On Your Doorstep was a programme of public realm enhancement projects where artists, designers and sculptors were commissioned by local groups, residents and organisations to improve public spaces, making them more interesting, attractive and cared for. The programme appealed to residents’ sense of pride and took them on a journey, exploring what makes a place special, how it’s used, the contribution it makes to the community, its history and heritage, and then we identified the best artistic intervention possible. We then brought individual groups together to share their stories and experiences, raising aspiration for what the public realm can contribute in the future.
To see the locations of the public artworks created as part of this programme, visit our Public Realm page.
Projects
Spalding Public Art Trail
• Spalding Civic Society commissioned artist Joseph Hillier for their ambitious commission, the first of many, to celebrate the town’s markets. Pupils from Spalding High School took part in shortlisting and were involved in final selection after the maquettes were exhibited around the town. The project involved local people being 3D scanned by Joseph and then cast into bronze. To see the final designs, visit https://spaldingportrait.wordpress.com/
Boston Woods
• Boston Woods commissioned James Sutton to produce a new piece that responds to the theme of Sir Joseph Banks, local scientist, botanist engineer, explorer, entrepreneur and founder of Kew Gardens in London
King John
• The eight hundred year old mystery of King John’s death and lost treasure inspired a pageant and festival in Swineshead in 2016. Transported commissioned artists Julie Willoughby and Ruth Pigott to work with residents of Swineshead to create artworks and puppets for the commemoration
Boston Crematorium
• The Witham East Neighbourhood Action Group selected glass artist Alx Creations to produce a water feature themed piece for Boston Crematorium, following a programme of workshops exploring the theme of memories and loss
Bargate Green Banners
• The market stalls and traders of Bargate Green in Boston are now celebrated through a series of banners created by artist Neil Baker, working in partnership with Boston Borough Council. Neil worked closely with the stall holders to produce works that reflect the people and businesses of the market, and the town’s rich trading history and links to the Hanseatic League – http://thebostonmarketproject.tumblr.com/
Boston Gateway
• Along with Boston Borough Council, Boston In Bloom and St Botolph’s Church, Transported was part of a multi-agency group looking at ways of improving the “Boston Gateway” ranging from new planting schemes, mosaics and temporary artworks that demonstrate potential as well as providing opportunity for in depth consultation with residents, shoppers, visitors, shop owners and local businesses
Crowland Public Art Trail
• Crowland Parish Council selected artist Richard Janes to create a sculpture for their green along from the famous Abbey – ‘The Arrival’
Windsor Crescent
• Artist James Sutton created six stone carvings that form a small trail alongside the river on Windsor Crescent in Boston reflecting the working class culture that has made the area what it is
Geoff Moulder Fencing
• James Sutton worked with the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex management, users and local residents to develop and design locally themed and inspired perimeter fencing
Inside Fenside
• Having created a fantastic collection of images on the outside of Fenside Community Centre, Paul Floyd Blake undertook a second project on Fenside estate, creating a series of photographs that explore spaces in residents’ homes and how they can tell their story. The photographs were exhibited at Boston Guildhall in August – click here for more details
The Imaginarium of Common Understanding
• Long Sutton Civic Society have unveiled a number of “interventions” by artist Robyn Woolston at the Long Sutton Common Pit, celebrating the area’s heritage and environment
Reflector at the RSPB Frampton Marsh
• cammdesign (Craig and Mary Matthews) have completed their amazing sculpture for the RSPB at Frampton Marsh, unveiled on Saturday 23 May
Holbeach Cemetery Chapels
• Local artist Steven Hatton worked with Holbeach residents and groups to inform the design of a series of digital photographic stained glass windows to mark the intention to bring the Cemetery Chapels back from dereliction to be used for heritage and cultural activities
Transported’s ambition is that some of these schemes will lead to follow up projects and that the groups are equipped and empowered to commission ambitious work that can contribute to the visitor experience and sense of identity for Boston Borough and South Holland.
