Public Art Steering Group - 3rd Meeting Summary
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Subject
‘Wing Development Public Art Strategy’
Aim
To welcome new faces to the group and to present a summary of the findings and discussions
so far. To share any new research / discoveries by the Group, and to discuss public
engagement.
Venue
Marshalls conference suite, Newmarket road, Cambridge.
Meeting date
22nd of April 2013, 1930 hrs.
Meeting no
03
Attending
Sophie Ellis (SE) , Jenny Parr (JP), Margaret Starkie(MS), Manuela Hubner (MH)
Chris Thomas (CT), Mart Barrass (MB), Paula Bond (PB)
Emma Fletcher (EF), Matthew Lane Sanderson (MLS), Rachel Wood (REW)
Notes by Matthew Sanderson
Ref WINGSUM003
New faces attending
Michael Corley (Norfolk & Norwich Festival Bridge, Programme Manager, Peterbough and Cambs) (MC),
Matt Ray-Brown (Actor, Simon & How associates),
(MRB)
Rose Wood (Abbey resident, community and art enthusiast) (RW),
Robin Heydon (Cambridge Cycling Campaign) (RH),
Simon Martin (Teversham PC),
Lindsay Davies (Horningsea resident) (LD),
Julian Bond (Paula bonds husband and elected driver for the evening) (JB)
Apologies
Hilary Cox (HC), Tim Ward (TM), Mel Fraser (MF), Marie Luise Critchely-Waring (MC-W)
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The meeting began with Matthew recapping on the ground covered so far (recorded in the last summaries).
Matthew then reported on the series of meetings attended / arranged, by REW and himself, over the last month
In support of the project.
Beginning with the Project Team Meeting (lead designers and consultants for wing) attended. The whole Project
Team has now been given access to the Steering Group drop box information. Much enthusiasm for the role of
Public Art was shown by the team.
Public Art Examples
Secondly a meeting with the City (Nadine Black) and South Cambs (Stephanie Hogger) Council Arts Officers,
Emma Fletcher (Marcamb) and RW/MLS (Sanderson Sculpture). In which the broad definition of Public Art was
discussed and the importance of Public Engagement. Also the ‘funding’ of the Art was defined more clearly.
For example, utilities that would be part of a standard development such as a lamp, fence or waste-bin, that
might be considered an opportunity for Art intervention would still all need to be allocated funding within the
major build budget, not the Art budget. However some part of the Public Art monies could be allocated for
designing or developing bespoke features as long as the costs were transparent and approved within the
strategy. The group discussed some best practice projects recommended by the arts officers. For example;
Caroline Wrights work for Trumpington Meadows and the process with elected artists for Clay and Glebe farm
developments. Links and information for these projects are on the drop box.
Mobile Bakery
REW explained about a group called Camb Bake, who are a community bakery hoping to set up and open a
community project on Newmarket Road whose aim would be to promote baking and eating together stimulating
community activity. Inspired by this, Rachel suggested the idea of having portable/ roving bread oven/ bakery
which could move around the local communities. It could visit both the existing communities and the new one as
it develops, so people can share the experience of this ancient and ever popular, approachable activity.
Possibly linked with Camb Bake.
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Cycling
MLS spoke about meeting cycle officer Vanessa Kelly of Cambridge Cycle Campaign, with whom he had
discussed the ideas of Cycle hubs, cycle ways, priority intersections and skate parks. Robin Heydon,
(Cambridge cycle campaign also) was able to explain further about the culture of cycling; that Cambridge cycle
campaign is wishing to encourage in Cambridge, siting the example of Germany and the Netherlands. Robin
spoke of the cycle route already being discussed in the plan and how positive this was.
Skate Parks (Or Self Propelled Transport Hubs)
Linked with the cycling was the discussion on ‘youth’. MLS and RW had met with Helen Hollebon of Abbey
People, who had expressed the desperate need for community youth work. There was discussion of the ‘youth’,
being careful not to ‘stereo type’ groups of society, and how beneficial cycling and skate parks are to many
communities, providing entertainment, non destructive physical activity, meeting places and family attractions.
The skate park in Orchard Park was used as an example of the importance of placement for such things, as
there has been some anti social behavior there, but planning for a new cycle way next to the skate area has
been approved and will it is hoped aid in the supervision and inclusion of those people using it. Margret Starkie
commented on the need to have someone to be able to administer first aid, from her first hand experiences.
Theoretically, the group agreed that an adjacent kiosk or cycle hub/ shop would be a good idea. MLS used
the example in Hereford that provides equipment, sales, hire, lessons and refreshments as well as a
responsible presence. Further to this; Chris Thomas was concerned over the ‘Ghettoization’’ of play and how
these spaces need to be close / in social areas so people or all ages feel welcomed to them.
Youth Groups
There was discussion about organized Youth Groups and how important these are, how important the right
people are in leading them and appreciating that they also take a lot of time and energy to run. Simon explained
about the youth group in Teversham being a difficult thing to lead. He spoke of the Connection Bus (youth
group bus) coming to Teversham and that none of the residents wanted it to park outside their houses, and this
had led to its ineffective adoption. Conversely Lindsay Davies explained that Horningsea wanted the Connect
Bus, but there where no booking slots available. Margaret spoke about the general feeling in Fen Ditton
opposing youth groups, as people felt they would be ‘up to no good’. Margaret also spoke of the problems in
Fen Ditton with the youth using the bus shelters as places to be, and how drugs where sold in them, therefore if
there are to be bus shelters in the development they should be in highly visible areas. Chris Thomas lead a
discussion in finding younger people and piers in that age group to organize youth groups, with help,
and that the ‘adult’ role was in creating opportunities and places for ‘youth’ to meet. Matt Ray-Brown
(who teaches part time at Bottisham Village College), thought that the Bottisham students would be interested in
any youth groups or workshops but expressed how busy the staff are there.
Central (covered?) Meeting Areas
Chris spoke related to the group an idea from his youth when he would go to a ‘plaza’, have a cheap ice cream
and chat with friends. It was a place accessible for all and the youth were welcomed. He also spoke about the
Olympic park areas with huge rows of shades and umbrellas, which created an open sociable space.
This lead on to MLS relating a similar suggestion, from a Cambridge resident he had spoken to, of a large
covered area, maybe for markets or community parties, allowing more outside space to be used more
reliably.
Play and Exercise Areas
The subject of Play areas was discussed and how from Matthew and Emma’s research many people felt that a
play area that was non prescriptive was important for children. Margaret was concerned that children be
provided with a separate play area and they need swings and slides in her opinion. She also stated that play
areas needs to be totally secure and that insurance for play areas was vital. Chris has visited the play area in
East Barnwell and expressed how impressed he was with it. Simon talked about how many families travel to the
best play parks and that children are the best judges of these things. Rose Wood spoke of a park in the
Abbey near her home, which is unusable as it is covered in broken glass, and even though houses surround it,
there is, still is a problem. Illumination was debated, and judged as an important ally in these areas.
Public Events – Activities and Shows highlighting the best of the past, present and future
MLS then briefly spoke about the feedback from local residents he had had meetings with, and the range of
ideas such as; Horningsea possibly wanting help with a singing group, The Abbey possibly liking the idea of a
craft bus that travels around, or a circus group to attend, and the idea of a carnival ending in a party / BBQ,
bringing all the local groups and communities together. There is also an important event for Horningsea
residents occurring next year with the advent of 800 years passing since the church and major parcels of land
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being assigned to the college of St John. An event is being planned, and one idea for the central focus might be
a son-et-lumiere (projected sound and light show). MLS suggested this could be great as a travelling show,
projecting on lots of different buildings and structures around the communities. Maybe this could be built up into
an ongoing group workshop regularly producing shows. A ‘Dec’ Bus currently provides music production facilities
in this way. Chris mentioned a local group called ‘E’luminate who may like to be involved in such a project. The
discussion of this led on to cycle powered Cinema’s, or ‘smoothy’ makers. The group also talked about a
4th plinth idea such as the one run by Artichoke, in London, where anyone can be involved and have their time
on the plinth. MLS also talked about a local community project set up and run by Hilary Cox, with a horse box
full of clothes / Fashion Trailer, which she takes to different areas/ schools and encourages people to bring,
dress up, swap clothes etc. to promote textile recycling, engage young and old alike and keep clothes out of
landfill. It has been a very successful project. Hilary was unable to attend but keen to discuss and support the
group. If you would like to see more of her work there is some uploaded to the drop box, and her own website.
Street Parties
The group shared stories of very successful street parties in Cambridge, from communities organizing their own,
closing access on their street, such as Gwydir Street and Rock Road (suggested by Rose Wood). The Mill Road
winter fair was also discussed and Margret commented on how costly organizing an event like this was, with risk
assessments, managing lots of people and public liabilities. Margret had organized the jubilee street party in
Fen Ditton / Horningsea, and it had cost around £5000. Emma spoke of the jubilee party she had done for £500.
Robin described the Cottenham all free festival where the village supported the festival, as did the school and
the pub, opening up their facilities to all. Simon spoke of the Teversham street party and how successful it was,
and as all the residents where in agreement they were able to shut the road. Toilet facilities are however an
issue/ or cost, if no public ones are available. It was agreed by all that IF the community was involved and
behind the street party is was a great thing to do and not necessarily an expensive project.
The Masterplan
Emma Fletcher showed the group the projected Master Plan in development. There was naturally much interest
and debate in this aid to visualization. The open park spaces, cycle ways, thoroughfares, and walking routes /
distances were all discussed at length. Non Public Art conversation was not noted here (apologies to EF! Who
fielded many questions, and was able to also show us some reference examples to build type and elevations of
street dimensions etc.)
Go(ogl)ing Digital and Community Exhibition Space?
Chris Thomas reminded the group of his ideas from the first meeting about unique ID on lampposts/ benches
etc., to be used for mapping but also possibly for games and actives, maybe with such things as Google
goggles. Chris also spoke about the streets being people areas not car areas and reminded the group of the
anamorphic images on roads to slow traffic. He also was concerned the community involvement was an artistic
project and not out-reach. Chris, representing the Cambridge Open Studios also, spoke about the timetabling of
events and how that could fit with Cambridge Open Studio events. The Cambridge Open Studios have now lost
their group show space in Fulbourn and there was a question over whether a community exhibition space on
the site maybe useful.
Margaret expressed that the view of some people in Fen Ditton was that they where nervous about giving
comment or suggesting ideas when they are not going to live in the space. She also read out some notes from
Ben Quash (Fen Ditton Resident, and Rvnd professor of art and Christianity at Kings College London). His notes
are appended for group examination.
Possible Street Questionnaire
MLS proposed a street Questionnaire whose aim might be to Reach out to a greater number of local people and
ask them what they think the existing and new community might need. Mart Barrass offered copies of the recent
Cambridge Architects magazine in which there was a study of an on street questionnaire. It was suggested that
there is a polling day coming soon and maybe that would be a good time to talk to people?
Development classification
Lindsay Davies expressed the view that the development was an Urban development not a Village development.
It was agreed that it was an ‘Urban Village’. Margaret asked if this made a difference to the ‘Public Art’, and
Lindsay felt that it did. [we are to invite more detail on this]
Further personnel introductions.
Michael Corley was invited to introduce himself as a ‘new face’ to the group. (Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Bridge / Programme manager), he had had experience that day with a similar school as proposed in the wing
plan, where there is an arts manager and the space is used and facilities shared.
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Matt Ray-Brown also introduced himself ( theatre production / Actor / tutor, Simon How and assoc). He
explained his involvement in a production in Peterborough, based on urban sprawl developments and how he
came along to look at planning from the inside.
Paula Bond (SCDC Art Officer) wished to note that the Steering Group was focusing on lots of details and big
ideas. When the Art Strategy Document is released it will read as a high level stratagem for planning purposes
and not include all the detail being discussed here. However all of these ideas were positive and would be
recorded, appended to the document and available for consultation.
The meeting closed with thanks to all those attending and contributing to this meeting.
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Next meeting; 7.30pm, on the 2oth of May. The location is yet to be confirmed
Summary prepared by Sanderson Sculpture Ltd. 24/04/2013
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