Public Art Vision for HEWEB
ViewFinder Project - creating a Public Art Vision for Hedge End, West End and Botley
We need your help to create a Vision for Public Art in the area!
Through Summer and Autumn, the ViewFinder Project is investigating, proposing and developing ideas for public art across a number of sites in the borough, a unique opportunity for you to shape the artistic landscape of our local area, ensuring it reflects our shared values, history, and aspirations.
What is the ViewFinder Project?
The ViewFinder Project aims to develop a cohesive vision for public art in the Hedge End, West End, and Botley area over the next five to ten years. This vision will guide future public art commissioning, ensuring it meets the needs, ambitions and desires of our community.
Public art plays a crucial role in creating strong, vibrant, and healthy communities. It enhances our public spaces, celebrates our cultural heritage, and fosters a sense of belonging and pride in our neighbourhoods.
Here’s how you can get involved:
So far the ViewFinder Project has been talking to the people of HEWEB through a series of creative and walking workshops, a talks evening, with speakers from across the south east and Southampton, sharing what they have been doing with public art, and an online survey.
Coming up
- Following the recent survey, a ‘playback’ event, where we get hands-on with what we have found out so far and what it's telling us about public art in HEWEB
- And a launch event l to celebrate the resulting Vision for Public Art.
We’re really keen to meet you! Your participation will ensure that the Public Art Vision truly reflects the heart and soul of the diverse communities in Hedge End, West End and Botley. Watch this space for future events.
Who is running the ViewFinder Project?
Image Credit: Cara Courage
Eastleigh Borough Council have engaged the creative team of Cara Courage and Richard Wolfstrome to run the ViewFinder Project, and they will be not just working alongside you, but also a Steering Group of local Councilors, local area teams, and the Council Public Art Officer, Vickie Fear.
The Steering Group is:
- Cllr Janice Asman
- Cllr Richard Gomer (Chair)
- Cllr Leigh Hadaway
- Cllr Derek Pretty
- Cllr Jane Welsh
- Ross McClean (Local Area Manager for HEWEB)
- Keeley Mitchell (Assistant Local Area Manager)
Cara Courage is an arts and placemaking expert. Her passion for and dedication to people and place has led her to specialise in practices that are socially-engaged, community-led, and in embedded in place, whether that place be a team, a city park, a national museum or a rural town high street, doing this as a consultant, practitioner, researcher and writer.
Richard Wolfstrome is an award-winning creative with over 36 years' experience. He has a specialisation in creative placemaking, with a focus on fostering community identity through public art and history of successful collaborations with diverse stakeholders, ensuring projects align with both artistic vision and community values.
How is this being funded?
This project and future public art projects in Eastleigh Borough are funded by developer’s contributions, often referred to as ‘Section 106’ money. These contributions are specifically allocated for community enhancements and improvements, such as public art, and this is the agreement that has been reached locally. By using developer monies, we are able to bring this project to life without impacting the local budget for essential public services.
Get Involved: ViewFinder Project Upcoming Events and Activities
Your voice and participation are vital to the success of the ViewFinder Project. We have planned a series of engaging events and activities designed to gather input and ideas from residents of all ages and backgrounds.
The ViewFinder Project events are free and will take place across July, August and September in community venues across Hedge End, West End, and Botley.
The ViewFinder Project is a collaborative effort to enrich our community with thoughtful, inspiring, and impactful public art. By participating in this project, you are helping to shape the cultural landscape of Hedge End, West End, and Botley for future generations. We look forward to your contributions and to creating a vibrant artistic legacy together.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Let’s make our community a canvas for creativity and connection!
Follow Eastleigh Borough Council on social media for regular updates and opportunities to engage with the project. For more information and updates, contact Vickie Fear: [email protected] 023 8068 8493