ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
Unexpected ART
ART DOESN’T HAVE TO BE CONFINED TO A GALLERY OR STUDIO. ART CAN BE
FOUND ANYWHERE – THAT’S PART OF ITS BEAUTY. FINDING UNEXPECTED ART
WHEN OUT AND ABOUT IS A JOY, AND IN KENT THERE IS PLENTY OF IT.
Folkestone
Thanks to the efforts of the
Creative Foundation in
Folkestone, there is a lot of
unexpected art to be found in
this most lovely of seaside
towns. In fact, there are 27
permanent public art
installations in Folkestone.
They were originally
commissioned by the
Creative Foundation for the
Folkestone Triennial, but they
are now here to stay. The
artists include Tracey Emin,
Cornelia Parker, Cristina
Iglesias, Richard Wilson,
Adam Chodzko and more.
RSPB Blean Wood &
Westgate Park
Local artist Steve
Portchmouch was
commissioned by the Stour
Valley Creative Partnership
to come up with two pieces
of unexpected art. The first,
Bull in Tannery Field can be
found in Westgate Parks off
the Rheims Way in
Canterbury. The second,
Nightjar, is in RSPB Blean
Wood.
Gravesham
The street art on the hoarding on Rathmore Road, Gravesend, is part
of a project entitled ‘Watch This Space’. Professional artists, 1717 Alliance,
have been tasked to work with local students from Thamesview, St
Georges and Northfleet Technology College to produce a massive street
art mural to go along the hoarding. The theme of the art project will
cover 500 years of Gravesend’s river history.
84
Funding, which has been provided by Jackson Civil Engineering and
Gravesham Borough Council, will enable the professional artists to
educate and assist the local students, and to supply the materials needed
to complete the project. The artists will work closely with the schools
to help with the designs and link their contribution to the artwork into
an historical storyline.