|
|
 |
 |
|
On Thursday 9 June The Junction, Cambridge’s leading contemporary performing arts organisation, will unleash its new interactive public artwork.
BINS AND BENCHES promises to transform the public space in front of The Junction into a magical and entertaining social environment where the active street furniture is THE conversation starter.
5 metal bins and 4 ordinary-looking wooden park benches have been injected with the serum of life. They will be free to roam independently and in-built intelligence will allow them to respond to the needs of the humans who share their habitat. This includes reacting sympathetically to weather conditions. When the sun comes out the benches may sing. When the sun is too hot, or in rain, they will head for the shade. Their mission is to seek out opportunities to help passers-by enjoy a moment’s relaxation by, for example, flocking together into attractive seating arrangements.
Commissioned by The Junction and created by internationally acclaimed artists’ collective Greyworld, BINS AND BENCHES first captured the public imagination when ideas by 7 artists were presented and publicised in September 2003. BINS AND BENCHES proved hugely popular with public, Junction staff, user groups and local arts professionals.
BINS AND BENCHES successfully answered The Junction’s brief by being bold and innovative, embracing technology and taking public art far beyond familiar static sculptures. The artwork also reflects The Junction’s commitment to make new art accessible not only within its venue but out in the community as well, with a dynamic and responsive artwork that will pro-actively engage the public.
Paul Bogen, Director of The Junction, commented: “The aim was to create a groundbreaking work of pioneering art that would attract attention and engage wider interest in the potential of art and technology in public spaces. In keeping with The Junction’s ethos, this isn’t just about art - it is also about having fun.”
BINS AND BENCHES was commissioned by The Junction in autumn 2003. The total project cost was £110,000. The project was made possible with support and funding from Arts Council England East, Arts & Business, National Lottery funding through Arts Council England and Turnstone Estates Ltd.
Andrea Stark, Executive Director, Arts Council England, East said: "We are delighted to be supporting Bins and Benches which makes a positive contribution to the environment around The Junction. The involvement of local businesses in the creative development of such innovative public art initiatives is also to be welcomed, and demonstrates their commitment to making Cambridge a great place to live and work."
Thanks to the co-operation of Turnstone Estates Ltd and X-Leisure, BINS AND BENCHES will enjoy the freedom to roam the extensive Cambridge Leisure piazza. The piazza is skirted on two sides by the multiplex cinema, bowling alley, hotel and restaurants of the new Cambridge Leisure development, and on the third side by The Junction and its new theatre.
Peter Tullin, Director of Arts & Business East, commented: “Bins and Benches is the latest in a wide range of arts and business partnerships across the eastern region supported by the Arts & Business New Partners programme. The objective of the programme, now in its fifth year, is to invest in ideas to deepen the relationship between arts and business and encourage new ways for the sectors to work together. You couldn’t ask for a more imaginative, exciting and amusing example of this approach than Bins and Benches.”
Anybody will be able to enjoy BINS AND BENCHES, any day, any time, free of charge. It is hoped that all members of the public will interact with and enjoy, touch, sit on and be repeatedly surprised by the artwork during its intended lifespan of at least 3 years.
To visit the BINS AND BENCHES, and for directions to The Junction by road, visit ‘How to Find Us’ at www.junction.co.uk
The Junction is a 10 minute walk from Cambridge Train Station (on main line from King’s Cross).
|
|
|