Could you play a role in the future of Cheltenham's public art?

Cheltenham’s public art panel was established in 1992 to offer advice and guidance on the production, siting and content of public art in the town.  Its individual members have many years of experience in advising on and commissioning public art, with the aim of improving and enhancing the environment of Cheltenham. Members include representatives of the council, the University of Gloucestershire, the community, the Arts Council, the Cheltenham Trust and the Civic Society, plus three co-optees. 

There is currently a vacancy for one co-optee place on the panel, and applications are invited from anyone with a proven track record of interest in art who feels that he or she may be able to make a positive contribution over the next three years.  Meetings take place at the Municipal Offices every two months, usually the last Wednesday of the month at 6pm.  It is a purely voluntary role – there is no pay or allowance.

If you would like to get involved in the process and help shape the future of our town, send a two-side (maximum) statement of interest and a relevant CV to [email protected] by 5:00pm on 22 July.  Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend a Public Art Panel meeting to discuss their application.

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: ‘’Cheltenham is a great place to live and to visit and public art is one of the many things that makes it so special.  Most famous examples are the Minotaur and Hare and Neptune’s Fountain, both situated on the Promenade, as well as public art throughout the borough including the utility boxes in Bath Road and the listening stones in Hester’s Way park.

‘’Public art makes an important contribution to the character and aesthetics of the town, and it is the public art panel’s role to help develop new ideas and guide implementation. It encourages artists to produce work as a result of a collaborative process involving other design professionals or members of a local community. Current projects being delivered in this way are the renovation of the St Mary’s alleyways off the High Street, a planter in St Paul’s, and an emerging project on the Honeybourne Line.’’

Nick Sargeant, chair of Cheltenham’s public art panel added: "This is a great opportunity to join our public art panel advising on strategies, artists and artworks to help enhance our town. Of course it’s a responsibility but very rewarding to see artworks settling in, and I am sure our new member will enjoy the experience.”

For pictures and locations of Cheltenham's public art collection, take a look at the public art map.

For media enquiries, contact: Katie Sandey, communications and web team leader, telephone 01242 775037, email [email protected]