New art plan will help revitalise public spaces across the Selby District

Public art is due to be introduced across Selby and its surrounding communities as part of a new policy to develop a cultural centre for excellence in the district.

Work has been conducted for more than a year on a Public Art Plan for the Selby district, which includes Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet, and the policy has now been formally adopted.

The aim is to provide a coherent new approach to the provision of public art, involving communities and local artists to ensure there is more public art on display, created by local artists, which reflects the heritage of the area.

Introducing the plan reflects the recognition by Selby District Council that art is an important factor in regeneration and creating public spaces.

Selby District Council’s lead executive member for art and culture, Cllr Tim Grogan, said: “The district of Selby has wonderful communities that have a rich history which many people recognise as a very precious asset.

“This plan will help the occupants of those areas to draw upon that legacy and move forward with fresh, new art for public spaces.

“It is hoped this will reflect our heritage and by drawing upon the talent of the district’s artistic community ensure this is successfully accomplished.

“It is acknowledged that art is a vital component in thriving communities and our ambition is for our district to achieve a reputation for both the quality and diversity of the work it intends to install in the future.”

The objective of the plan is to propel the area forwards to lead the region’s offer for public art, through putting a structure in place which makes it easier to get installations commissioned by communities and created by local artists.

Ultimately, it should lead to an increase in high quality installations, which reflect the character of the district and its residents.

The plan itself is designed to provide support to help communities, town and parish councils and other organisations which may commission public art to take advantage of existing talent and provide new works which will be recognised as relevant by those who see them.