AN ART installation which is renowned all around the world will be making its first visit to Europe when it makes Bournemouth its home four weeks.
Airship Orchestra is set to be the centre piece of GIANT OFFSITE’s Art Month across the conurbation.
Marking its European premiere, the installation will be in situ at The Triangle from September 8 until October 9.
Airship Orchestra will see several large-scale inflatable, interactive sculptures installed in the public space.
Epitomising the overarching theme of ‘PLAY’ for art month, the sculptural environment is one for all to engage with throughout its run.
Created by ENESS, a multi-award-winning art and technology studio led by Nimrod Weis, the custom light installation comprises 16 inflatables – some up to six metres – extending over a 500 square metre area.
The installation of the artwork in Bournemouth is yet another confirmation of the town’s burgeoning status as an international hub for culture, according to the team at GIANT OFFSITE, which is supported by BCP Council and Bournemouth Town Centre BID.
Artist Stuart Semple, found and director of GIANT, said: “As terrible as online retail and the pandemic has been for our city centres and high streets, they do present a necessity to shift the purpose of those places.
“I think that it’s an exciting time for artists, and for arts in the public realm.
“It’s a dream to be able to bring a work like this to my hometown.
"Nimrod and I did a big public art project together in Hong Kong last year, and I totally fell in love with his work.
"Ever since I saw it, I wanted to share it with everyone here. It’s the sort of thing that you’d expect to see at the Southbank or in the Turbine Hall at Tate.”
Cllr Beverley Dunlop, BCP Council’s portfolio Holder for tourism, culture and vibrant places, said people should not underestimate the impact of having Stuart and his team in the town.
“Art has the power to change lives and I can truly say that this has happened to me since meeting Stuart and it is our ambition to extend the joy of art to wider audiences creating new experiences and memories,” Cllr Dunlop said.
“Airship Orchestra will be the centrepiece of Art Month, being developed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the wonderful Arts by the Sea as the finale.”
Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, added: “We’re delighted to be involved in this project, especially at it affords the opportunity for our levy payers to take advantage of the increased footfall and focus the town will receive, through our trail and promotion opportunities being organised to support their activities.”
The month of art culminates with Arts by the Sea, BCP Council’s flagship free cultural festival. The mix of theatre, dance, music, large-scale spectaculars and light and sound installations runs from September 30 to October 2.
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