Public asked to help design Weymouth sculpture (From Dorset Echo)

Public asked to help design Weymouth sculpture

9:46am Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

The public is being being asked to help design a new public art scheme at the Weymouth Gateway site.

The art scheme is being funded by fashion retailer New Look, with additional on-site installation support from Sainsbury's.

Dorset artist Andy Kirkby was appointed to create the artwork in December after beating 38 other UK and international artists to the role.

He is now about to engage with the community through various meetings and workshops to guide his designs.

The engagement period for this project runs from January 29 until February 15.

Andy has now arranged his first meeting where he will talk about the site as well as his previous public art work. Attendees can share stories and reminiscences about the Weymouth Gateway site, the wider area and the town of Weymouth.

It will take place on Tuesday January 29 at the Famous Old Spa Pub, Dorchester Road, Weymouth between 5-7pm. Free snacks will be provided by the landlord of the Spa for those attending.

Andy Kirkby said: “I’m looking forward to emphasising the 'public' in this series of public sculptures in so much as I'll be interested to hear any stories or mythology that relates to the site or wider area - especially those that are not in the guide books.”

Councillor Ian Bruce, spokesman for Tourism and Culture at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The council is very keen that local people get involved with this artwork and I very much hope lots of people will go along on Tuesday.”

There are also a number of other participatory sessions that will take place over the engagement period including:

• Creative, clay workshops at local schools. Some of the models produced in these workshops will be shown in a public exhibition to be held in early March. Further details will be available in February • A talk to art students at Weymouth College about his work and about inspiration for ideas in sculpture commissions

• A visit to the New Look offices at Mercery Road to talk to staff about their stories and anecdotes in connection with the Gateway site and the wider Weymouth area An online blog has been set up at www.andykirkby.com where people can keep up to date with the project developments and contribute stories online.

The public can also tell their stories and tales by emailing sculptureak@gmail.com, mailing Alan Rogers, Bag 23, Weymouth College, Cranford Avenue, Weymouth DT4 7LQ or dropping their ideas at: • Weymouth Library, Great George Street, Weymouth • WPBC Offices (main reception), North Quay, Weymouth • Famous Old Spa, 229 Dorchester Road, Radipole, Weymouth A further meeting has been organised for Andy to talk about his concept designs with the community and show how local stories have been incorporated into the work. The artist's concept designs will be made available for people to view at this session, which is open to all.

This will take place at the Famous Old Spa Pub, Dorchester Road from 5 – 7pm on Tuesday 26 February 2013.