Plans to make Town an arts destination
The Victor Hugo bench outside St Peter Port Church and the painting of murals in the arches of the market buildings is ‘just the start’ of an expansion of public art projects in Guernsey, according to Guernsey Arts.
An ambition to increase the visibility of arts culture in Guernsey – and to make St Peter Port in particular an 'arts destination' – is one of the key strategies in the recently-adopted Plan for the Arts.
Guernsey Arts is currently working on a project – expected to be launched early next year – to link a series of heritage sites and works of public art in Town with a marked trail.
‘A project that we’re looking at the moment, to really draw public art together, is to create what we’re calling a “green line walk”,’ head of arts development Russ Fossey told the Guernsey Press Arts Podcast.
Podcast: Listen to the full interview with Russ Fossey and Chris Simcox on this month's Guernsey Press Arts Podcast
‘This would be a very simple green line which runs through St Peter Port, which people can follow and discover pieces of art and pieces of our heritage.’
Guernsey Arts has discussed the project with the Town Constables, retailers and walking groups.
‘A simple green line is the way to do it because it keeps people away from the screen of a phone, it keeps people looking around the environment and people will simply follow a line and discover it.’
This simplicity of approach will be likely to bring the art to the attention of those who do not ordinarily go looking for it, said Mr Fossey.
Guernsey Arts has also been in talks with developers about large construction projects slated for the north of the island, with a view to ensuring that public art – or at least spaces to accommodate it – can be incorporated into final designs.
‘I think the architects are on board in terms of creating something that is about the community and that will be the community’s piece.’
Artist Chris Simcox, who is working with Guernsey Arts on its public arts plan, said good public art should ‘have a conversation with place’ and needed the involvement of the community from the outset.
‘Taking artwork out of gallery spaces and actually utilising the environment and the landscape of Guernsey – which is truly incredible – is a great opportunity,’ he said.
