Hartlepool Coastal Plinth - Seaton Carew
Project Summary
Hartlepool Borough Council, supported by the Coastal Communities Fund issued a call to artists for sculpture proposals from which to select and commission one unique piece of work. This was the first step towards commissioning a sculpture for one planned new sculpture plinth located at Seaton Carew. The sculpture will form part of an iconic new cultural trail that mirrors the route taken by Ridley Scott’s first film ‘Boy and Bicycle’ and will link Church Street Innovation Quarter with Seaton. Progression is subject to the project receiving a successful awarding from the Coastal Community Fund.The aim of the Hartlepool coastal plinth project is to bring a new and exciting sculpture to Hartlepool and create cultural landmarks that will attract and engage the local community and tourists.
Artists were invited to submit proposals which respond to the current and/or historical context of this iconic town and seafront promenade site. It was requested that attention should be focused on Hartlepool’s maritime history and development.
Aims
- Be site-specific and help to reinforce a sense of place and identity; and,
- Reflect the vision of the project, which is to attract and engage the local community and visitors in present-day sculpture provide an artistic focal point and to make a significant contribution to Hartlepool’s cultural scene.
Themes and Anecdotes
The site offers a wide range of
contemporary and historic associations, which could inspire sculptures for the
plinth.
Here are some immediate associations:
• Sea
• Promenade
• Ship
building- Sir William Gray
• Hartlepool’s
maritime and industrial past
• Hartlepool’s
culturally rich future
The public are invited to vote for their preferences of these short listed proposals, which will inform the final selection but not to determine it.
