Public Art - What is it good for?

Press Release

To celebrate Civic Society Week, 16-22 June 2010, Huddersfield Civic Society is holding free events focusing on the public art of Huddersfield.

1. There is a free photographic exhibition of Huddersfield’s public art in Queensgate Market from 16-22 June. This should test your art awareness and we will seek your thoughts on public art.

2. You are welcome to a free debate; ‘Public open space, shopping malls, museums and galleries – what makes a town great?’ Guest speakers include Robert Hall of Kirklees Council Museums and Galleries and Tom Lonsdale, Placecraft Urban Design. The debate is at Kirklees College, New North Road, room F 035, 8 pm Monday 21st June.

3. We are also treating the town as an outdoor art gallery.

Please join us on a free guided walk of Huddersfield’s public art.

Hear the stories behind our art. There are seven walks to choose from:

Tuesday 15th June, 10.00, 1 hour walk (Walk A)

Wednesday 16th, 1 June, 14.00, 1 hour walk (Walk B)

Thursday 17th June, 12.00 1 hour walk (Walk A)

Friday 18th June, 13.00, 1 hour walk (Walk B) does not clash with the Group C World Cup matches

Saturday 19th June, 12.00, 1 hour walk (Walk C)

Monday 21st June, 10.00, 1 hour walk (Walk A)

Tuesday 22nd June, 18.00, 2 hour walk (Walk D, a mix of A and B)

Meet Huddersfield Civic Society member, Christopher Marsden, at the Market Cross in the Market Place. No need to book. The walks may involve climbing and descending steps. Level access tours can be arranged for other times.

Huddersfield Civic Society has joined other civic societies across Yorkshire and Humber in taking part in the third annual regional Civic Societies Week.

Society Vice-Chairman John Lockwood said “This is the third time the Society has taken part in Civic Societies Week. Our activities this year will have the theme “Huddersfield: An Art Gallery” and will aim to draw attention to the many fine examples of public art in the town that are often overlooked or under-appreciated.

Following the success of last year’s Civic Societies Week, centred on the former Neaverson’s shop, we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of people to our events.”

Enquiries are welcomed by:

William Kirby, Press Officer, williamakirby@yahoo.co.uk 01484 662966.

Christopher Marsden, public art events organiser, email c_marsden@hotmail.com 01484 656863, 07876377588.

John Lockwood, Vice Chair and debate organiser, email john@ahescommonfarm.co.uk 01484 426507.