About Public Art
Eric Morecambe statue by Graham Ibbeson, Morecambe Promenade
Public art is not an art form, but a principle of improving the changing environment through the arts, placing art work in areas other than conventional arts venues. It means artists engaging with the public realm.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency defines public realm as 'where we move, meet and market on a daily basis...the places we pass through on our daily journeys and the spaces we use for outdoor activities and social interaction. Public realm shapes the image of the places we inhabit, it creates identity and distinctiveness and influences how others see us. Public realm comprises the streets, parks, green spaces and other outdoor places that require no key to access them and are available, without charge for everyone to use.'
(from Creating Inspirational Spaces: a guide for quality public realm in the northwest, 2007)
There are numerous examples of public art in Lancaster District, from the Queen Victoria monument in Dalton Square to contemporary commissions such as the TERN project in Morecambe, and the Storey public art commission, which is currently under development.
For specialist advice about public art, please contact Lancashire County Council:
Neil Harris, Arts and Regeneration Officer - neil.harris@lancashire.gov.uk