Places

Do you think this is money well spent?

Steph
Jane - if seats are the most important thing in your life then you really are a very sad individual. I agree that they will brighten up the key but Tom has a very valid point, shouldnt we be focusing on getting places for youths to go and spend their time to keep them off the streets because face it this Island has nothing - you see the centres in the UK where they have alsorts of entertainment in a big complex - cinemas, skateparks, bowling, shopping, food courts, etc. There is nothing like that over here and im sure a lot of people will see that as a priority to get the kids off the streets before you go spending money on making an area look nice, whats the point if its going to get vandalised within months?

Lord Alfred
In reply to Local Artist, "concepts" are lost on most folk, especially when they only indulge the artists and fulfill some pen pusher's obligatory justification for funding. Far more evocative to sit on a good sturdy bench with back support bearing an inscription to a person who actually made a change to people's lives, and a 10th of the cost. Planting brightens everybody's day and no need to worry whether one is going to slide off the sea creature once the paint has faded and the algae have moved in.Also consider the "concepts". These are not conceptual they are based on the materials the artist has access to and is familiar with, the sculpture emerges and a post production "concept" is quickly scamped together for sexiness and to justify funds. More garden benches dedicated to people who served our community please.

Local Artist
In reply to Zelda, with respect I have chatted to Kristian about his fifth kingdom concept. The thinking behind his design is staggering. All angles have been covered the design , materials have all been considered, so your comments are totally off the mark. Although I do agree the quayside would also benefit from planting schemes. Perhaps you should find out more about the artists before you make such sweeping comments.

zelda
Gavin Carter's wave seat is just about okay, but the other three designs are woeful, dull and will, more than likely, not survive the weather and vandalism they will encounter in central Douglas (unless they are judiciously maintained. The Douglas harbour area desperately requires planting schemes rather than yet more hard landscaping and so-called sculptures.

Jane
Please Tom tell us what they are ?

Tom Hall
At the end of the day there are more important things in life than seats, get a grip!

Bob
To silver surfer. These designs will brighten up Douglas and it's about time!

Silver Surfer
As an oldie, I would not thank you for these designs. I would not feel secure sitting on any off them . Has any one thought how an arthritic / handicaped person could sit safely ?

Graham
In Reply to Tom. Sssssshh. If you don't put a value on art or creativity then we will all be walking around in suits in a very grey World and I for one do not want this to happen. These sculptures look great and I congratulate every one involved. Remember art creates discussion and of course not everyone will like it but my god if there is a place that need a bit of colour then it is Douglas.

Jake
What do you propose Tom ?

Tom Hall
What a waste of our tax payers money, spend it on something constructive like something for young people. silly seats its just getting worse and worse

Oliver
Good design, function, safety through lighting, etc., make this money well spent. Very clever.

Anonymous
Dawn, the point is we shouldn't have to look on websites, we should be witnessing it every day. I can't remember the last time I saw new exciting art. These artists are brilliant so how come I havn't seen there work before. Art should be for the masses not the select few. Please tell us what new art is being showcased by you. To all the 4 artists I think your work in outstanding.

Golden Oldy
I can't remember the last new piece of public art that the Isle of Man can be proud of but these seem to fit the bill. Such talent. At my age I could do with a good sit down.

Ronald Sway
I agree too (as a non-artist). I live in Amsterdam where they have a very bold approach to the use of art in public spaces. It adds a vital something to the city. To many towns and cities are conforming to globalised, lowest common denominator shopping mall / shiney officed clones. Art in the public space offers something surprising, thought inducing, topical, local, real. I look forward to seeing these pieces in situ in the coming months.

Dawn Maddrell
Could not help but respond to Anon and Steve re the work of the Arts Council; their Annual Review is on their website iomarts.com if they or indeed anyone else would like to find out a bit more about what the Council support and initiate. Also available by mail just ring 694598.

Kristian Edwards
It's great to hear such positive feed back. My sculptures are coming on well. The stones are getting cut next week and the lighting is on its way. We have a lot of great artistic minds on this Island and a lot of places that would benefit from public art. We are loosing the fight for good architecture, Clive is right, our beautiful Victorian architecture is disappearing hand over fist and it's such a shame. Public art can transform a place as well as any building so let's hope this great project is seen as 'future heritage' for the Island and does spark similar schemes elsewhere. We have the talent and the money so let's use it!! ps. my website www.kristianedwards.com

Mel
I think this is money well spent, will be good for our holiday makers and of course the local residents to see and use. Well done. Maybe not only Douglas should get these, but many other parts of the Island. We need this island looking a happier place.

Anonymous
Well said Steve, what the heck does the Isle of Man Arts Council do? Douglas is turning into a real dump and most of the modern architecture is awful. Hopfully this is just the start and well done to everyone involved in this project. It's about time the Isle of Man capital invested in fine art instead of finance!

Steve
If there is an Arts Council where is all the art? All I ever see are the same old landscapes zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Just looked at Kristians website and his paintings are spectacular. These sculptures are sure to embelish the quayside. Lets face it Douglas isn't flooded with works of art. So I look forward to there arrival.

Len (Douglas)
Well put Clive. I agree with everything you said.

Anonymous
Wow the Arts Council are actually helping with something. There are so many talented, creative people having to leave the Island because they are simply not being helped. We as an Island should be encouraging them to stay. They are our future. Not all are youngsters should be shepherded into the financial sector. I would far rather look at art than stare blankly at a screen. More of these projects please.

Sasha Wilson
All four designs are inspired and look forward to seeing them for real. To Kristian I looked at your website (the link is a the top right) your paintings are fantastic, really bold. It is so good to see all this young Manx talent this website is really showcasing some great stuff. Keep it going BBC. Do any of the other artists have websites ?

Ashley
This is going to make the quayside a great place to sit down and relax. When will they be ready?

Clive
So it's not just me then.First I want to congratulate this scheme and all the artists the work looks so exciting. What is happening to Douglas? It is just one horrific building after another whilst our beautiful victorian architecture is left to ruin. More art and definately look after our architecture or Douglas will really look like some naf seaside resort. Lets look to the future not the past.

Concerned about Douglas
I couldn't agree more. Douglas is looking so run down. We need to get much more art on show for both adults and children. But it is a bigger picture we really need to start with the architecture or lack of. Are we incapable of building with any style what so ever or have we sold out to the developers completely. More art and better buildings please. Well done to these young artists.

Gary
We can always find something more 'worthy' to spend our money on, but the world would be a miserable place if we never spent money on something just because 'it would be nice'. This area is the first part of the Island many people see, so lets give a good first impression.

Ronan
At last art to talk about.At least some people care what Douglas looks like.These will be one of the first things people will see off the boat. What a positive impression. Great 3D pictures can't wait for the real thing now.

Laura
It is about time Douglas got a it of identity and invested in some quality art. All the better for being Manx.Well Done

Julie
Flipping heck I could do with a sit down. These look fantastic all credit to Douglas Development Partnership. All four of the designs look inspired. This course must have worked. More art for Douglas please.We need it.