Invasion or integration? Public art in urban spaces

Vivien Lovell, Vanessa Walker

Vivien Lovell is the founder of Modus Operandi, an independent arts unit curating and producing site-specific artistic interventions. Based in London, Modus Operandi has delivered more than 110 projects over the past 12 years throughout Britain, Europe and Japan.

In this presentaion, Vivien will focus on current approaches to urban public art, contrasting the role of integrated art and the concept of place-making with the notion of the ‘placed’ object as ‘space-invader’.

Case studies, including BBC Broadcasting House, the Phoenix Initiative in Coventry, the Marunouchi Art Project in Tokyo, Oxford University’s Radcliffe Observatory Quarter and The Fourth Plinth project in Trafalgar Square, will explore the notion of artist-designed public spaces, the integration of art within architecture, and the role of the temporary installation in the public realm.

Vivien will be joined by Vanessa Walker to discuss local place-making and public art projects following the presentaion.

Vanessa Walker is currently director of projects at Village Well. Over the last 15 years, working in the government sector and as a consultant, she has curated and commissioned art in many of Melbourne’s major urban developments, including Federation Square and Docklands. She regularly advises on panels including Arts Victoria commissions and the Victorian Design Review Panel. Presented with Graduate Programs in Cultural Management, School of Culture and Communication.

The Potter gratefully acknowledges the Cultural and Community Relations Advisory Group for their support of our 2013 public programs.

Date: Thursday 2 May 2013, 6.00- 7.30pm

Venue: Ian Potter Museum of Art, Swanston St, University of Melbourne

Registration essential for this free event, seating strictly limited. To register visit the Ian Potter website here