| Menu | Spring 2003 Newsletter - Page 8 |
| Breaking the Surface |
In 2003 it is planned to follow up this innovative arts event with a permanent sculpture to be created by Michael Pinsky. The concept of the sculpture has been guided by interaction with the local community through open days, workshops and seminars. Michael has identified the fact that the Severn Estuary and Bridgwater Bay have the second highest tidal range in the world and wishes to interpret this through his artwork. It is proposed to have a transparent cylinder that will be lit internally and will rise and fall in response to the cycle of the tides. It will appear as a finger of light and will align with the church tower of St. Mary’s, street lamps and the Brick and Tile Museum to create modern laylines and link the town centre and docks. Sedgemoor District Council Arts Officer Chris Sidaway said, "This proposal will give Bridgwater and its Docks a stunning and inspirational artwork fit for the 21st century and a landmark that will gain regional if not national recognition". The project is part of a wider "Sensing the Land" initiative which has been financed by a regional arts lottery grant. The partners in the project include the River Parrett Trail, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council, Bridgwater Town Centre Partnership, Bridgwater Arts Centre and British Waterways. Funding for the £10,000 sculpture is from South West Arts and British Waterways. For further information contact: |
"Breaking
the Surface" was a temporary sound and light installation
created by artist Michael Pinsky for Bridgwater Docks. It was
open to the public for three evenings in May 2002 and attracted
over 2000 people who enjoyed the show. It consisted of 20 objects,
including bicycles, shopping trolleys and a wheelbarrow that
had been dredged from the bottom of the docks. The objects were
carefully arranged to look as if they were floating on the surface
and then lit by a subtle sequence of blue and green lights.
The sculpture was accompanied by a "sound-scape" created
by sound samples taken from the dredged artefacts. The work
was produced as a CD and was played from car sound systems and
apartments while simultaneously broadcast by BCRfm.
| Somerfest 2003 |
Somerfest 2002 included over 30 events ranging from music to markets, from visual arts to performing arts and literature with a sprinkling of heritage and carnival. Chris Harris, pantomime dame extraordinaire, gave performances and workshops and the Czech Backside Big Band were a hit throughout the festival. This year will be the third year of the festival and events like these encourage an increase in footfall to businesses, and attract people into the town from outside and keeps them here longer. If you can offer support (financial or in kind) or want further information please contact: Charlie Deardon 01278 422700 or Wendy White 01278 446859 |
We
are actively seeking sponsors and participants to ensure Somerfest
2003 is an event in the Bridgwater Social Calendar. Subject to funding
there will be a wide range of entertainment for all tastes and ages.
All this will be staged throughout the town with the main events
over the weekend of 4 - 7 July 2003.