A RALLYING cry has been issued to ensure a new landmark sculpture for Wokingham will go ahead. Arts4Wokingham is seeking public subscription for The Arc, which will be created outside the new Carnival Hub development, acting as a gateway to the town.
The project is not being funded by Wokingham Borough Council, so the charity is seeking support from businesses, residents, philanthropic organisations, and arts lovers.
Among the first is Wokingham estate agency David Cliff.
The company’s managing director, also called David Cliff, was delighted to add his firm’s backing to the unique sculpture, a series of interlapping arches each containing words and phrases associated with the borough.
“We at David Cliff’s are delighted to be donating to Arts4Wokingham in commissioning the Arc, the first major piece of public art in Wokingham,” he said.
“The Arc is a landmark piece by the international artist Nicola Anthony and will not only reflect what’s important to residents in Wokingham but will act as a draw for visitors in the future.
“David Cliff is really pleased to be associated with Arts4Wokingham’s ambitions to bring more public art to Wokingham as shown in this, their first commission.”
The support has been welcomed by Arts4Wokingham’s Robin Cops, who said: “We thank David for his company’s generous contribution.
“He was excited to have the company’s name associated with more public art being established to make Wokingham such a great place to live.”
In all, £200,000 needs to be raised to fund the work, which will be created by Ms Anthony who has worked on commissions around the globe.
The Arc’s embedded text will represent a wide range of contributions expressing the local community’s feelings, hopes and engagement with the borough.
Last month, Wokingham Borough Council formally recognised and expressed its support for The Arc and for Arts4Wokingham’s main objective, the promotion and championing of more public art in the area.
The Arc is Arts4Wokingham’s launch project. It is not seeking any public funding but is seeking donations, sponsorship and grants to fund the venture.
While the charity welcomes gifts of all shapes and sizes, any individual, family, group, society or local company who decides to make a contribution of £200 or more will receive special recognition for their support.
The charity says that the names of these donors will be displayed in the public arena. It is currently exploring a number of ways in which these names might be best featured subject to any logistical and planning requirements.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Don’t miss out on the chance to see your name linked to a community campaign that will enhance the environment and become a beacon for all those visiting or passing through the borough.
“A number of individuals, local companies and organisations have already donated.
“To join them and have your name highlighted as a supporter of more public art, then just go to our website, and hit the donate button.
“The website also contains further information and details about the campaign so far.
“There are significant additional benefits for any major corporate donors. If you’d like to explore these, just get in touch via the Arts4Wokingham website.”
Over the next few weeks, Wokingham Today will explore The Arc, and why it needs support from the community, as well as highlighting some of the companies and groups that have got behind the scheme.
For more details, log on to: www.arts4wokingham.com
