User:Smallplaces

small places*
Key words: site specific temporary public, reactivation of Newcastle's CBD, art in the public domain

Official web site: link title

conceived in 2005, small places* is a temporary public art program that seeks to increase interest in both art and the city by using under utilised spaces to exhibit unexpected art. The program aims to encourage people to be more curious about Newcastle’s rich architectural heritage while encouraging art to be exhibited outside the art gallery environment. The program is structured on a common style of commissioning public art but is intended as a place activation program, to invigorate interest in the city.

Setting
Newcastle was founded as a port city based on strong primary and secondary industries in the Hunter Valley. The city grew out of a grid layout on an undulating coastal peninsula resulting in many unique places and spaces. Many of these locations contain cultural and historical qualities that have become anonymous or insignificant. While former port side industrial land is replaced by medium and high density development, the CBD is becoming a denser place and a stronger focal point.



Context
small places* aims to provide a means by which creativity can enter the public realm, by creating interest in the city and revitalising the urban core. The program is called small places*, to encourage the re-invigoration and activation of small or little-used public places that can be found across Newcastle’s CBD.

Project Intent
The objectives for the small places* proposals is to allow artists to develop site specific artworks that consider the spatial, cultural and/or historical nature of the site. The proposals must consider the impact of the subject site by:
 * Providing a bold public statement
 * Re-interpreting the space in relation to previous, current or possible future functions
 * Increasing the public’s interest in little-used, -viewed or -understood city spaces
 * Introducing surprise and humour into the site
 * Challenging the public’s concept of art while encouraging greater public interaction with the city’s creative culture
 * Engaging and/or entertaining a diverse audience
 * Increasing artistic vibrancy in the city
 * Increasing the city’s association with the arts

small places 2007
Spanish/Australian artist Dani Marti will create a unique temporary art installation called 'OFF MY NOODLE' using a large-scale woven tapestry of over 7000 brightly coloured ‘pool noodles’ woven over the former market shade structures in the space. The work will be installed over five days from 12th March to 16th March.

The 2007 site, Market Place, is considered to be an important component of Newcastle’s cultural heritage yet is currently undervalued and underused.

Market Place is replete with significant heritage and cultural significance to Newcastle. Henry Danger named the site, to be the settlement’s first market area. For some time it functioned as a market with a strong connection between the harbour, The Hunter River and the cathedral. The site is currently in contention for renovation with a proposal that will formally connect the cathedral to The Mall.

The site consists of council owned land including areas of Thorn St, Knightly St and Morgan St. This site was selected as it adjoins a busy pedestrian area, The Mall, but receives relatively little pedestrian activity. Curved shade structures within the site were formerly used as a market place and are currently owned by council. These structures will be used for the event.