Following the appointment of international artist Holger Lonze to design and install a piece of public art at Winchester’s Casson Block, a workshop is being held to refine the proposals.
Members of the public are invited to attend a drop-in consultation session on Wednesday 11 January between 2pm and 4pm at Winchester Business Centre on Parchment Street.
The new piece of public art will be designed for the area between the Casson Block on St George’s Street and the rear of the Hampshire Chronicle building on Upper Brook Street. The final design will be developed with input from local people, and will be based on original proposals for a bronze sculpture reflecting both modern and historic architecture in Winchester.
Cllr Steve Miller, Portfolio Holder for Estates and Local Economy, is pleased to invite wider feedback on the proposals. He said:
“Winchester is home to a wide range of public art of which we are rightly proud. We want this commission to complement our existing treasures, and provide a focal point for the Casson Block. Public feedback is vital to this process, to ensure we commission a piece which inspires and is thought provoking.”
Holger Lonze, the artist commissioned to design the piece, is experienced in working with local communities to develop something that suits its setting. He said:
“Public art plays an important role in creating a sense of place and local identity. It can help to make hidden history visible and shed light on lesser-known aspects of an area by inviting enquiry and discussion. Working closely with the local community will ensure their valuable knowledge will feed into the work to create a sense of ownership.”
Progress towards the final product will be documented online at www.facebook.com/cassonblock, and the project web page at www.cassonblock.com will also feature the milestones as they arise.
For more information about the Casson Block enhancement scheme, go to www.winchester.gov.uk/business/casson-block/ or contact Kate Cloud, Head of Economy and Arts, at kcloud@winchester.gov.uk or telephone 01962 848 563.
