Let's take art out onto the streets...

CREDIT: Image: Amanda Moore, SÖCIÅL SPÅCE Project 2020

When lockdown started in early 2020, in relation to the global pandemic, the arts were badly affected. In terms of galleries, many had been forced to temporarily close in towns due to social distancing measures. In the summer I was lucky to be commissioned by People United, along with 5 other artists, to design artistic concepts which would make social spaces kinder and, well, more social. This culminated in a graphic leaflet which people could download at home. The idea was for communities to work together to produce an outdoor artwork which would assist with social distancing in a playful way. The artworks would allow us to interact more with our local public realm, particularly at a time when indoor spaces were subject to tighter occupancy guidelines.

Through 2020 and beyond, could there be a greater impetus to take artwork outside onto the streets and what are the benefits?

• Artists are able to reach a much wider audience than the confines of one physical place
• Communities can be involved in the selection and feedback loop to inform future projects, temporary projects can become permanent if desired
• In a less formal space, interactive projects may have stronger possibilities
• Greater promotion of the art industry and many more opportunities for all kinds of artists outside of the gallery system
• Public spaces people are familiar with can be seen anew and given a stronger identity
• Physical and visual engagement with underused public spaces is promoted, (open space is usually reserved for retail or as a defensible zone in front of buildings)
• Greater footfall in underused spaces, potentially bringing more wealth to businesses
• General joy added to day-to-day experiences, particularly through the UK winter

And are there any limits to the placement of art outside of the gallery?

• External galleries taking traditional art venues outdoors such as The Outside Art Project at King's Cross
• Shopfronts, window facades, advertising boards and buses for temporary works
• Projections of film and light, sound works
• Street painting and paving
• Permanent sculptural works
• Permanent architectural elements fitted into buildings
• Designed street furniture such as seating and lighting
• Pop-up pavilions or disused shop spaces

These projects are often commercially sponsored, paid for by arts councils and trusts or form part of planning application agreements or council regeneration projects. They can be temporary or permanent and they can have a much larger role than art as commodity. They are art as identity, interaction and engagement of people with their surroundings.
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