News
Local artists in Swindon recently got together to formulate a plan to save some of Swindon?s trees from an untimely end in a builders furnace. Wood from trees cut down as part of a regeneration project at Wharf Green is to be used as part of an art project that will be showcased in the town later this year.
The well known artists clubbed together to kick start a recycling project in the very heart of up and coming Swindon in order to make sure the trees taken from Wharf Green are turned into unique pieces of art and not put to waste. However, given that the logs were too big to be moved by hand, DIY company B&Q sent some help from their warehouse on Great Western Way and stepped in to offer some lifting power ? now our artist are all ready and raring to get those creative juices flowing.
Work began on the Wharf Green development earlier this month, and it is the first area to be redeveloped since The New Swindon Company unveiled their plans to regenerate to town centre. The trees had to be taken out to make room for the installation of a huge BBC Big Screen ? the first in the South of England ? which will be used to broadcast a combination of live events, community content, news, sport and entertainment. Plans have been well received by local people, especially sports fans who can?t wait to get together with friends to watch international rugby and football matches!
The artists leading this unusual save the trees campaign are world renowned mural painter Ken White, Bill Cox from Artsite and Gordon Dickinson and Tim Carroll, both known for their work locally. Lower Shaw Farm will be storing the huge pile of logs until the artists are able to collect and work on them.
Peter James, Chief Executive of the New Swindon Company, and the developers working on site are delighted that the trees will be going to good use. ?The idea of transforming these trees into art is a fantastic idea,? he said. ?It?s a real sign of the community spirit in Swindon that people want to help. I can?t wait to see the exhibition.?
Mike Pringle, Director of the Swindon Cultural Partnership is also involved in the regeneration of the town. said: ?This is an exciting step forward in Swindon?s cultural regeneration, with local organisations, developers, construction companies and Swindon businesses pulling together in a positive way. I look forward to seeing the results of the artistic endeavours ? maybe as an exhibition on the Big Screen!?
Swindon Council Leader Roderick Bluh added: ?I was really pleased to hear that the trees from Wharf Green will go to good use. These artists have come up with a really imaginative way to use wood ? they are leading the recycling agenda in the area and supporting regeneration at the same time. It?s great to see.?
Friday 28th September 2007