Open Space Programme

Curator: Jane Watt
Artists: Matt Cook, Gordon Flemons, Miranda Sharp, Damien Robinson and Stuart Bowditch
Locations: Basildon, Colchester and Harlow, Essex

The Open Space Programme was a series of four temporary art projects, curated by Jane Watt during the summer of 2009, as part of 'Genius Loci', Essex County Council's major three year commissioning programme. The Open Space programme reflected on and developed notions of the 'spirit of place.'

Play Harlow! by Matt Cook

Working in Harlow, Matt Cook's project 'Play Harlow' engaged with local residents in the suburbs through the medium of game. Using his Game Table - a kinetic sculpture and bike trailer constructed from found objects such as toys, stationery and electronics, the game moved the players around the town along previously unexplored routes. The competing teams were given maps directing them to nearby places via specific routes with instructions of what to look out for and activities to complete along the way.

The Game Table was the centrepiece of a larger sculptural map spread around Harlow, illustrating some of Matt's experiences walking around the town.

'Making Tracks - Performing Place' by Gordon Flemons

Exploring the idea of site as a performed place, Gordon Flemons project 'Making Tracks, Performing Place' made visible the daily routes local residents take as they make their way through the historic town of Colchester. By providing local groups and individuals with handheld GPS data loggers, Gordon was able to interpret these tracks in to 3D visualisations

For more information, to view the forms and to download video clips of the animated drawings for your mobile, visit www.performingplace.com

‘I ♥ Basildon’ by Miranda Sharp

Miranda Sharp’s project ‘I ♥ Basildon’ investigates the unique spirit of the town through a series of personal exchanges. Having trained as a nail technician Miranda provided manicures for local residents in exchange for anecdotes and stories about Basildon in order to gain an understanding of the spirit of the place. For much of her project, Miranda was based on a stall on the local market, styled as a 1950s/60s nail booth in order to coincide with Basildon's 60th anniversary.

'Vibe Cube' by Damien Robinson and Stuart Bowditch

Damien Robinson & Stuart Bowditch’s ‘Vibe³’ (Vibe Cube) was a sonic installation with both a virtual and physical form. The sound ecology of a location is an intangible, ephemeral and often overlooked facet of our environment; Vibe Cube aimed to showcase the extraordinary nature of the familiar soundscapes of Basildon, Colchester and Harlow.

Residents of the three towns were invited to submit both recordings and ideas for recordings which they felt reflected the history, character, and individuality of their area – anything from wildlife to nightlife. These were collected by Stuart and Damien and played back via the physical Vibe Cube which is also a resonating instrument where visitors were able to experience the sounds through touch as well as listening to them.

The Open Space Programme was commissioned by Essex County Council and managed by Commissions East.

For more information, visit www.openspaceessex.org