Ocotber Exhibition Press Release

PRESS RELEASE
31.10.2007


Plans for the ‘Our Space Pavilion’ revealed


Plans for the new ‘Our Space Pavilion’, a public sculpture by local artist Will Nash, to be installed in the grounds of Willingdon Community School, were unveiled at a recent exhibition.

"The event represents five months of hard work from the whole Our Space team. Inspired by the positive response to this exhibition we are all now looking forward to embarking on the next stage"
Will Nash, artist

Members of the public were invited to comment on the proposals, which were then captured by students on roaming video cameras. Alongside working models, a film of what the structure could look like and examples of the sustainable materials to be used were available to handle.

“This is an amazing piece of work which I think the whole community will enjoy. I can imagine real adventures taking place in the pavilion! I particularly like the red discs” Exhibition visitor

The ‘Our Space Pavilion’ will be a place to play as well as ponder, be inspired as well as rest. It currently consists of eighteen red spun-steel discs suspended from recycled lampposts embedded in a chamomile seat made from discarded concrete. Considering the impact on the environment has played a crucial part in the design process, supported by architects at BBM Sustainable Design Ltd. All important safety aspects are also under discussion with expert advice from Brighton based structural engineers at BEP Consulting Engineers Ltd.

The work has developed from the involvement of over 700 local school children and members of the community, all of whom took part in workshops last summer, including standing like the ‘Long Man of Wilmington’ in a specially constructed photo-booth. Measurements from participants have governed the actual dimensions of the discs. An animation of everyone who has taken part so far was also on display alongside photographs showing different stage of the project, by artists Anthony Carr and Rob Walker.

“The Arts Council works to get more great art to more people in more places. That's why supporting great projects like Our Space is so important to us because it has encouraged school pupils to, through the arts, engage with the community they belong to beyond the school gates. It's been fascinating to watch Will's designs develop and emerge on his sketchbook website.'”
Stephanie Fuller, Visual Arts Officer at Arts Council England, South East

It is hoped the ‘Our Space Pavilion’ will be installed in time for the Eastbourne Festival during March 2008, when you can come and experience the results for yourself. In the meantime there is still time to have your say! Please visit the artists website at: http://www.willnashsketchbook.blogspot.com to see the designs or leave a message at http://www.ourspaceproject.blogspot.com