From the unmistakable angel of the north, to funky bollards in London streets, art is being used to enhance our public spaces in a full scale attempt to put an attractive twist back into our built landscapes.
Art and artists are in big demand to make buildings look beautiful, security lights look sensational and spruce up our surroundings so that people can experience a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
You might be forgiven for thinking that this is strange, but studies prove that being in an attractive environment promotes feelings of well being and relaxation and makes people feel a lot happier. And, it could be argued, that as a nation we spend millions on indoor home improvement, so why not improve the outdoors, too?
With this in mind, the rejuvenation of Hastings and St Leonards is seeing top quality designs for new buildings, unique lighting for both decoration and safety, renovation of eyesore structures, a path network taking you into space away from vehicles and highlighting our architectural heritage.
All of these projects have been carried out after consultation with residents and designed by local artists.
For example, if a new road is planned, what are the choices?
Just an ordinary bog-standard road? Or something different and unique that performs all the function as the ordinary road, but which looks great and is fun to be in? This is where the artist can make all the difference, not necessarily by creating statues or murals, but by adding little touches to the design: it might be in unusual seating, coloured paving, the lighting design, the curve of the road or even just the design of bollards or railings.
Although not law, the majority of all new developments will be recommended to take into account the Per Cent for Art scheme. This means that 1% of the total cost will be put into public art in or around the building.
Hastings Greenway is a big loop connecting key town centre areas including Alexandra Park, Summerfields and the new station plaza. Some of the 'loop' or paths already exist, but new paths and cycleways will also be made. The aim is to create a new way for people to get around shops, offices, stations and schools, away from motorised traffic, while enjoying new views and green spaces.
In March this year, much needed improvement work started on Bethune Underpass, which is a key section of the Greenway. The facelift included improved security, better lighting, landscaping and new railings. There is new paving which has lights installed in it. The Hastings Greenway project has just been successful in securing £48,000 from the Arts Council, South East for artworks along Hastings Greenway, which will include a series of signs that will be designed by local artists.
The innovative and unique seafront lighting has gone down a storm. Residents and visitors alike have supported the scheme, which is like a giant colour palette stretching from Old Town to the Marina. While lighting experts Sutton Vane designed the lights, it was the input of artists Kate Adams and Esther Rolinson that added that extra special touch to the lighting sequence.
Under the direction of the Task Force, Lewes based architects Baker Brown McKay have worked with Council officers and artists Greyworld to create a stunning contemporary design which will not only stand out in Robertson Street, but also complements other buildings in the historic America Ground.
Creating an empathy with the sea and Art Deco building Marine Court is no easy task. But the design, by artist Esther Rolinson, based on sending messages through light - similar to a method used by smugglers - set a precedent for creative lighting town-wide.
Designed by former Hastings' artist in residence Ray Smith, the mural commemorates the historic America Ground, which declared independence from the rest of the town as it began to expand westwards.
Four seafront shelters were revamped ready for the summer season. Unusually they are made of concrete and although not listed, they are of historic importance and give an art deco slant to the promenade.
Uplighting our historic architecture began to evolve as an ideal way to highlight the architecture and create brighter streets.
The second successful street festival took place during September, making art as public as it gets.
A draft Public Arts Strategy sets out how art should be considered in the development of our environment, including the design of the seating, railings, decorative features to shop and building fronts, lighting, steps, walkways, arches, bollards, gateways, planting, bedding, play areas, key architectural and sculptural features.
For more information contact Public Arts Officer on 01424 781752 or email publicart@hastings.gov.uk
Public Art is there to enhance our environment and living spaces: it is something we should be proud of, giving our town something that's unique. It should raise questions and stimulates debate about our surroundings.
Communities can shape their own environment by creating their own public art within neighbourhoods helped by a professional 'artist in residence'.
Good public art and lighting will attract people to places and spaces. The higher the footfall, the lower the chance of crime.
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This page last updated: 07/10/2003