Public Art in Darlington
Public Art has played an important role in the creation of new spaces in Darlington and has been central to development of new builds, creating high quality and unique sustainable environments. West Park is an excellent example of this as private developer, Tony Cooper advocated the use of artists in the creation of an arts strategy that is integrated into every aspect of this unique development. After undertaking extensive research and consultation lead poet, W.N. Herbert wrote the arts strategy and poetry plan “Caring, Sharing, Daring”. The resultant poems and texts were incorporated in large-scale sculptural features in the dramatic panoramic park and included in a new build hospital and primary school. Details such as individual street signs with historical and geographical reference have been created, adding individualism and uniqueness to the site.
The inspirational realization of international artist, David Mach’s Train, is a powerful symbol of achievement between public and private partnership of Darlington Borough Council and William Morrisons plc. It was one of the first iconic Public Art lottery projects in the region.
Gillespies, were appointed as the consultants for the Pedestrian Heart project for the Darlington Town Centre in September 2003. As part of their brief the Council requested that a lead artist worked as part of the design team. Michael Pinsky was appointed in December 2003, which resulted in the creation of unique Public Art features including Life Pulse, consisting of five lighting columns, that read and illuminate visitor’s heartbeats, creating changing patterns of light.