HARLOW: Arts project unveiled
10:52am Tuesday 21st October 2008 in Where I Live By Citizen reporter
AN exciting arts project focussing on Harlow’s proposed Market Square development is taking place in Harlow between now and Christmas.
Part of the Essex-wide Genius Loci programme, the Harlow project – Art and the New Town- combines art, film and discussion and features a temporary art gallery in Market Square, with five, free exhibitions between November 6 and December 22.
Supporting the exhibitions are free arts activities and public panel discussions all focusing on art and the new town and how it relates specifically to Harlow and the proposed Market Square development in particular.
The project is a partnership between Essex County Council, Harlow Council, Harlow Renaissance and Commissions East. It aims to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to reflect on the town’s history and contemplate its future as well as involving artists in planning and design initiatives.
The events are the brainchild of artist Roman Vasseur, who was appointed in October last year as Lead Artist for Harlow over a two-year period. His commissioned projects seek to both celebrate and question New Town heritage by unearthing some mythologies concerning the future. He is working with Diann Bauer, Amanda Beech, Chris Evans, Alison Gill, Pil & Galia Kollective, Wayne Lloyd, The Serendipity Group and Mike Ricketts to deliver the project.
Essex County Councillor Jeremy Lucas, cabinet member for heritage, culture and arts, said: “Our Genius Loci programme is one of our most innovative and exciting. Roman is an incredible artist and I am very proud that he is working with and for Essex in this way.
“Bringing art into the everyday is an excellent way of improving quality of life and showing the culture and creativity of Essex at its best and I believe this work will bring immense benefit for the people of Harlow.”
Eddie Johnson, chairman of Harlow Council’s environment and community committee, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Essex County Council to highlight the rich cultural heritage and history of Harlow.”
Roman Vasseur said: “Harlow occupies a very special place in the British imagination. It was an inspiring project for artists at its birth and continues to inspire and fascinate artists now.
“We hope that the projects will engage audiences and convey this fascination, demonstrating along the way how art might continue to be at the heart of Harlow as it matures into an old New Town”.
