Symespace Public Art

The redevelopment scheme will provide for an integrated programme of public art

At an early stage the Symes Avenue Steering Group agreed that consultation and integrative thinking regarding public art was needed prior to the submission of Morrisons' detailed planning application. Bristol's Architecture Centre was therefore commissioned to devise and manage a consultation process that would enable local people to consider the ways in which artists could enhance the redevelopment.

A report produced by the Architecture Centre, entitled 'Symespace' identified a number of opportunities for artists that local people wanted to see progressed. It also suggested that the Symespace Project Implementation Group (SPIG) be set up, and that a Project Manager be appointed to work with the group on sourcing and managing the involvement of artists.

Les Baker from Reckless Orchard (Project Manager) and Cleo Broda (artist) have progressed the findings of the Symespace report and have produced a Public Art Plan for the development which has been approved by the city council. Working with SPIG, discussions are taking place on a proposed public art programme that has two key elements:

• Events/projects celebrating Symes Avenue's past/future (the creative backdrop to the development) and
  
  
• Design and integration of artworks within the architecture and its surroundings.