Big Art - 'ours for taking'

11:18am Saturday 10th May 2008

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Jim Evans, member of the Cardigan's Big Art Project community steering group and Cardigan's site nominator, says, "The Big Art Project is ours for the taking.....

"Big Art has certainly become a big part of my life. It is also fast becoming a big part of everybody's life in Cardigan. The project is now well advanced and if you glimpse some mysterious buoys floating off the Prince Charles quayside over the next few weeks, then don't panic! The aliens have not landed, but what you will see is the start of series of technical feasibility studies, using sample buoys, to gauge the suitability of the proposed river location for the artwork.

"Assessing any impact the artwork might have on navigation or the delicate river environment will be a primary aim of the feasibility studies on the Teifi. Detailed results will be presented at the next public meeting in Cardigan scheduled for mid June. Once the exact date is set, I will do my utmost to inform all those who have been following this project in good time to maximise attendance and your participation.

"Not wanting to pre-empt the findings, but if the quayside location is found not to be suitable for whatever reason the project team will need to look at alternatives. These will also be presented for discussion at the public meeting if we get to that point.

"Far from enthusiasm burn out' I suspect the total opposite is true! That last public meeting was certainly lively! No bad thing I would argue but whether you love or hate the idea of this public art project (or public art in general) one thing is certain, we are creating a model of community participation for commissioning public art in the UK. Not withstanding Channel 4's cameras, we have been consulted at every stage of the way and it is we as a town who chose Rafael Lozano-Hemmer to represent us. We can't go back now.

"I am no art expert but what I have learnt along the way has certainly opened my eyes to what commissioning public art involves and what the obstacles and opportunities are. Twists and turns, high and lows they've all been part of this project and I must say I admire the tenacity and patience of our artist and the curator, Wiard Sterk, who have always listened and who are working hard to deliver a public art work rooted in the community but with international significance. The process has been a fascinating one and the legacy of this project will hopefully go from strength to strength. There is already talk of further projects commissioned from local artists in response to this work, as well as a small art biennale.

"However, there is a lot of work still to be done and decisions to be made before the project is finalised. My mind has also been focussed by the fact the programme, The Big Art Project, will be first broadcast in November on Channel 4 and people across the country will see the journey we have been on as a community - and indeed are still experiencing now. I think I may have to plan to be out of the country then! I've lost count of the number of interviews I've given over the last few years and the changing fortunes of my teeth captured on camera! However, it is the end result that matters, the promise of a fantastic public art work we in Cardigan can be justly proud of.

"It is important to remember that Cardigan was one of only seven UK sites nominated by members of the public and selected to take part in The Big Art Project. In 2005 people across the country were invited to nominate sites they felt would benefit from an art installation. More than 1,400 nominations were received. The seven sites selected were Beckton, Belfast, Burnley, Cardigan, the Isle of Mull, Sheffield and St.Helens.

"Things have certainly moved on a pace since then and I am also pleased to say that things are moving along again with the Cardigan Big Art project soon to get its own website which will go live in a few weeks. I will keep you posted on developments but it is being designed and hosted locally by Creative Mwldan.

"I am grateful to everybody who has donated time and effort to join forums, attend public meetings or give guidance on technical matters. I know some of you have expressed frustration on the ins and outs of the process but I believe good things always come to those who wait. I will continue to do all I can to make this artwork happen and hope I can count on your support as well. Cardigan, the choice is yours at the end of the day. However, my clear choice would be to grasp this historic opportunity with both hands before it passes us by."