Consultancy on artistic involvement in the redesign of Bonn Square

Artist Jacqui Poncelet

In 2005 the Council organised an international design competition with the aim to transform Bonn Square from a fragmented and neglected area to an attractive and valued open space. The competition was won by Graeme Massie Architects.

Artpoint were appointed as consultants for the involvement of an artist in the project. Artpoint established an integrated programme of artist proposals and designs bearing in mind the aim to create a place distinctive in design, which could be used through the day and into the evening and could host a programme of music, public performance and temporary art installations.

Artist Jacqui Poncelet was appointed to work collaboratively with architect Graeme Massie on the redesigning of the square.  Working alongside the architectural design team Jacqui worked on detailed designs for the square developing her ideas in dialogue with those of the architects.

Proposed designs include small bronzes commissioned from a variety of artists; carefully concealed around the square providing an element of discovery.

A large arts specific information totem was also proposed to link the space with the cultural activity of Oxford.

An Arts Steering Group for Bonn Square was established to oversee the artist’s consultancy and provide advice and support for the programme of commissions.  Recommendations were made for the involvement of other artists in a programme of permanent and temporary commissions for the space.

In the final architectural designs, time and change are embraced: the limestone surfaces used will wear leaving a trace of people’s movements; bronze fittings will patinate, staining the surface, with tree species selected for their seasonal variation.

On the west side of the Square a row of bronze lighting masts will flood the area with light and also act as support structures for banners to profile the work of artists and local events.

Work on the square is expected to commence Jan 2008

Commissioner

Oxford City Council

Partners

Graeme Massie Architects

Budget

£25,000

Funders

Millenium Commission, Urban Cultural Programme: Arts Council England

Weblink

Oxford City Council