News

'Fleet: Art in the Haven Ports' receives funding.

Commissions East's new partnership project 'Fleet: Art in the Haven Ports’, partly funded by Arts Council England, East, took another step towards realisation when, as part of international programme Face2Face, funding was granted from Interreg IV – a European fund established to strengthen and deepen cross-border co-operation.

‘Fleet’ is a major programme of visual arts projects that will take place in the East of England’s Haven Gateway. Sites along the River Orwell and Stour will host events, commissions and residencies that will be linked by bike, boat, train and walking routes. Exploiting the Haven Gateway’s proximity to mainland Europe, Fleet will be enhanced by joint commissions, cultural exchange opportunities and cross-promotion with Face2Face partner arts organisations Espace Croisé, Saison Vidéo and artconnexion, as well as with Turner Contemporary in Kent. Additional support will be provided by Essex County Council and Suffolk County Council.

Between June and August 2009, British artists-in-residence at Jaywick Martello Tower in Essex and Pin Mill in Suffolk will work with people who live, work or learn in the area on an intensive programme of outreach activity. Building on this initial residency programme, in summer 2010 six artists will be commissioned to respond to an additional four sites, while Jaywick Martello Tower and Pin Mill hosting two French artists-in-residence.

These projects will open to the public and will be connected by widely promoted bike, boat, train and walking routes, encouraging visitors to explore the coastline and experience ‘Fleet’ in an environmentally sustainable way. This unique cultural tourism offer will promote the Haven Gateway as a visitor destination, encouraging people to spend time and money in the area, rather than just pass through.

More information will be available on this site as the project develops.