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Download the Public Art Strategy & Delivery Plan [PDF, 337 Kb]

Download the guide: Putting Public Art at the centre of Community Life [PDF, 720 Kb]

Further information

Previous commissions

Beacon - a light and sound installation for Wymondham Abbey

Beacon was a light and sound installation for Wymondham Abbey's ruined East Tower, performed nightly after dusk, from Saturday 21 July to Sunday 30 September 2007.

Artist Simon Fenoulhet was commissioned to create a light and sound installation for Wymondham Abbey’s ruined East Tower, as part of the Abbey’s 900th anniversary celebrations and Contemporary Art Norwich 2007.

Working in partnership with John Hardy Music, his installation interacted with local sounds and activities, transforming the Tower into a continuous sound-scape as well as a highly visible landmark by night.

Beacon was presented by South Norfolk Council, Wymondham 900, and Commissions East with funding from Arts Council England, East and Norfolk County Council.

Water-based Sculpture Trail

We commissioned a series of sculptures at key mooring points in the Southern Broads Area. These form a water-based sculpture trail and provide an inspirational extra dimension to any visit to the Broads. Examples of these sculptures are given below.

Intrigued visitors to Whitlingham Country Park picnic site during August 2002 watched a sculpture make a magical metamorphosis from a block of cedar (left). This comic figure, determined to enjoy a big day out, has equipment in tow to participate in all the activities on offer at the country park.

Visitors were also invited to leave their mark for posterity on a Graffiti Tree after receiving tuition in lettering by artist in residence Mark Goldsworthy.

Natural connections: Coldham Hall Tavern

This design on a riverside footpath leading from Coldham Hall Tavern towards Wheatfen Broad, is an inspiring and unique piece of work, which encapsulates the natural beauty of the wildlife in the area. The completed sculptural work features twelve uprights ranging in size from 2m downward, all shaped to convey the movement of water and natural reed formations. Each individual element uses mosaic tiles to reflect the pattern and colour of fish, fowl or flora in a contemporary abstract interpretation.

The artist has also incorporated a mosaic-inlaid bench bearing the text 'A breathing space for the cure of souls'. This evocative quote is by the famous naturalist Ted Ellis, whose legacy to conservation can be enjoyed by those visiting the broadland trails at Wheatfen Nature Reserve, which is sited just 1 mile away across the marsh.

Pye's Mill, Loddon

This "story" sculpture by Mark Goldsworthy acts to signpost visitors arriving by boat across the watermeadow and into town. The sculpture and its figures also have a tale to tell….

Depicting a family on holiday in Loddon, where the grandfather grew up and spent many an enjoyable afternoon messing about on the water. He decides it would be a nice idea to hire a boat for the day to show the youngsters around the Southern Broads. Mum wants to be sure that they have ample provisions for the exciting trip ahead and suggests a visit to the shops before they cast off. But, because there are so many different shops to browse in, they overload the shopping bag and now there's a trail of items they've dropped along the footpath into town! Her daughter has noticed and is desperately tugging at mum's skirt to get her attention.

The items which were "dropped" by the shopping party appear as waymarkers and act as a guide through the watermeadow to help you to the shops.

Leaping pike, Waveney River Centre, Burgh St Peter

This 3.5 metre leaping pike made of galvanized steel was inspired by a trophy on display in the Waveney Inn. Seen emerging from a map of the Southern waterways, which was constructed by the artists during their residency at the site, the tailfin of the monumental fish is also a seat, allowing you to sit back and take in the daily bustle of river activity.

The artists worked with residents and visitors to create the mosaic concrete panels, which feature some wonderful images of wildlife including dragonflies, eels, a heron, a marsh harrier and otters that are resident further up the river. They have also incorporated imagery that gives a hint of the staithes chequered history; once the site of a Victorian zoo, a ferry used to cross the river here, and there is also reference to the local man who legend has it outwitted the devil!

Celestial festival

As part of 'Celestial Festival' in October 2003 artist Barry Mason worked with Bramerton community to create this piece of permanent artwork in response to the waterside location. The design mimics the structure of trees, referencing wherry masts and fishing rods. It also allows you to view the beauty of the night sky in the daytime, as the drilled holes in the copper disc represent the major stars in the northern hemisphere.

Barry spent time during the residency at Seething Observatory, as the aim was to design a sculpture to celebrate the dark skies and be a “visual metaphor” – encouraging residents to switch off unnecessary lighting.

Planned commissions

South Norfolk Council in partnership with the Tiffey Valley Steering Group is working to increase interest in the Tiffey Valley. With this in mind, and inspired by the historic towers of Wymondham Abbey, we propose to commission the building of a tower which we hope will be an added incentive for tourists to visit the area, besides providing a viewing platform and a focal point for valley trails.

Related pages on this website

• Arts-based school projects
• Community arts projects
• Artists in residence

External links

Public Art Online
This site contains practical guidance and case studies, news and current research. It covers all aspects of working with and commissioning artists.

ixia
Is the forum for promoting excellence in Public Art. Their site includes case studies, research and education resources and features, current debates and visit.

About links to other websites.