Between May and November seven artworks in the Waterfront series will be unveiled at coastal locations situated between the East Sussex Downs and the Thames Estuary.
The Turner Contemporary, which jointly leads the initiative with Visit Kent, will host the first launch in Margate on 1st May.
The initiative will see the septet of artworks featured in the world’s first art GeoTour, using GPS-enabled geocaching technology to offer users a unique explorative experience.
“Conceived as a project outside of gallery walls, England’s Creative Coast offers a naturally socially-distanced experience that connects people and places across the extraordinary network of arts organisations along the South East coast,” says Sarah Dance, project director of England’s Creative Coast.
“We hope that in these troubled times these site-specific art commissions and geocache trail brimming with seaside tales inspire creativity through adventure.”
Best laid plans
Unsurprisingly the initial scheduling for 2020 was pushed back by the first nationwide UK lockdown, but the open-air locations of the seven works means this year’s plans should now forge ahead.
Seven art commissions to transform Britain’s South East coastline in 2020
Holding England’s Creative Coast this year dovetails with several milestones at institutions on its route. The Turner Contemporary, for instance, celebrates its 10th anniversary year while arts festivals such as Estuary 2021 provide fitting platforms with which to collaborate.
What's on?
- Turner Contemporary presents Michael Rakowitz: ‘From Basra to Margate’
Margate, 1 May - Cement Fields presents Jasleen Kaur: ‘The first thing I did was to kiss the ground’
Gravesend, 22 May (launching with Estuary Festival 2021) - Metal presents Katrina Palmer: ‘Hello’ and ‘Retreat’
Southend-on-Sea, 22 May (launching with Estuary Festival 2021) - De La Warr Pavilion presents Holly Hendry: ‘Invertebrate’
Bexhill-on-Sea, 29 May - Hastings Contemporary presents Andreas Angelidakis: ‘Seawall’
Hastings, 29 May - Towner Eastbourne presents Mariana Castillo Deball: ‘Walking through the town I followed a pattern on the pavement that became the magnified silhouette of a woman’s profile’
Eastbourne, 29 May - Creative Folkestone presents Pilar Quinteros: ‘Janus Fortress Folkestone’
Folkestone, launch date tbc (and featured in the 2021 Folkestone Triennial)
Further information around each artwork’s launch will be revealed in the coming weeks as preparations ramp up, with all dates subject to change depending on government guidelines.
