Sunderland City Council has set four artists the challenge of creating a bold and contemporary new art feature for the site, replacing security fencing around a pair of Coal Authority gas vents. Rebecca Farley, a public art consultant working for the City Council, explains:

“While the gas vents must remain on site to safely vent mine gases from this former colliery site, this is an opportunity to create something visually appealing yet practical which will enhance the setting of this impressive new facility.”

The benchmark set by the Aquatic Centre for any future development on the Stadium Park site has been an important factor in attracting some of the most talented artists and designers working in the UK and Europe. Rebecca continues:

“On the face of it a commission to redesign some fencing doesn’t seem like a dream opportunity, but when the artists saw the ambition of the new Aquatic Centre and the sheer scale of the Stadium of Light it started to become a hugely challenging creative opportunity for a very high-profile site.”

Councillor Mel Speding, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This exciting project will add to the appeal of Sunderland’s stunning new Aquatic Centre. The artwork is part of Sunderland’s ambitious programme of public art commissions, designed to create a quality environment that will build on Sunderland’s growing reputation as a great place to live and work”.

Two European and two UK-based artists – Walter Jack (from Bristol), Tejo Remy and Rene Veenhuizen (from Utrecht, The Netherlands) Bruce Williams (from Brighton), Wolfgang Winter and Berthold Hörbelt (from Frankfurt, Germany) – visited Sunderland in early November for a tour of the city and the Stadium Park site, and are currently developing their proposals. They return in January to present their ideas to the selection panel which includes Sunderland AFC, Sunderland arc, the Coal Authority and Sunderland City Council. The winning artwork is due to be installed in Autumn 2008.

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last updated 25/03/08