A GROUP looking for a new landmark work of art for the forthcoming Carnival Hub development says it has now ‘lit the blue touch paper’ after whittling down the 60 applicants to a shortlist of five.
Arts4Wokingham says the five artists have been tasked with specific questions about the kind of artwork they’d like to create, the materials they’ll use and the way in which they will involve the local community.
They will be presenting their concepts to a commissioning panel, which includes Wokingham Today editor Phil Creighton early in the new year.
Just one successful artist will be chosen to create the artwork, which will be situated as close to the opening of the Carnival Hub as possible.
Robin Cops, deputy chair of Arts4Wokingham, says that the quality and range of artists wishing to take on this challenge has been quite incredible
“We’ve had expressions of interest from all over the world,” he says. “We’re in no doubt that this sculpture will really put Wokingham on the map.”
Arts4Wokingham’s formal charity status underlines the group’s key aim of championing public art within the borough. It also carries practical and financial advantages for those wishing to donate or contribute towards the funding for its activities.
The group welcomes residents’ views, and there is a short questionnaire which can be accessed via the Get Involved page on its website, www.arts4wokingham.com
