Artists appointed for Shepshed art project

Artists have been commissioned for a public art project in Shepshed.

Charnwood Borough Council has appointed Derbyshire-based firm Sculpture Works Ltd to produce artwork for the Buttercup Fields development in Shepshed.

Sculpture Works Ltd has worked on a range of different public art projects for councils and organisations around the country.  Sculptor Denis O’Connor and printmaker Bernie Rutter will work with the Shepshed community to gather ideas and inspiration for the project

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council, said: “A key aspect of this project is community involvement and we look forward to seeing the artists work with residents to develop a creative and attractive piece of public art.

“We’re delighted to have Denis and Bernie on board. They have clearly demonstrated how they would involve residents and were keen to speak to the community to gather ideas. I hope residents will take the opportunity and get involved with one of their workshops.”

“It’s important to remember that this project is being funded by contributions from developers in the area and is specifically for a piece of public art.”

Bernie said: “We were really pleased to have been chosen to deliver this public art commission at Buttercup Fields in Shepshed and look forward to creating artworks which will visually enhance the site with reference to ideas which explore the sites natural habitat and wildlife.”

“We’re looking forward to speaking to members of the community about their ideas and working with them to create artwork which will complement the local area.”

Denis and Bernie will be hosting two art workshops and residents are invited to find out more about the project and create art. The workshops will take place at the greenspace near to Celandine Road on Friday May 24 and Saturday May 25 between 10am-4pm.

The estimated cost of the project is £75,000 which is being funded through a section 106 agreement specifically for public art in this area. The project should be completed later this year.

Section 106 funding is when a developer agrees to contribute funding towards improvements in the community.

For more information about Sculpture Works, including examples of other projects it has been involved in, visit http://www.sculptureworks.org.uk