Looking at how public consultation can affect public design.
Back in summer of 2020 I worked with RIG Arts and artist Tragic O'Hara on a community consultation for potential new Sustrans funded public artworks along the Greenock Waterfront.
Today, I got to see the final works unveiled!
It doesn't feel like it's often that the ideas, designs and opinions of the community are really very obvious in the final outputs, but somehow, these 3 artists have managed to do it!
I remember, during the Creative Conversations public art walks Tragic and I led, people spoke about the need for more public seating in light of covid restrictions, and a desire to focus in on the beauty of the natural landscape... Alan Potter's beautiful seating.
People spoke about needing to pay attention to the wildlife in the Clyde. They drew jellyfish and had ideas for light sculptures... Tragic's jellyfish sculptures (which light up at night).
They spoke about remembering the past and the ship building heritage of the area... Jason Orr's yardmen. (Which, by the way, also features Mary Cunnginham, a real woman who trained to be a welder and worked in the Greenock yards).
I love how kids and nature are already interacting with these pieces. I really think, and I may be biased, but this was public art done pretty well.
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