engagement

We are working with artists under our ‘engagement programme’ and have commissioned 6 artists to document, respond to, and be involved with the process of our transition to firstsite:newsite. Over time these projects will develop and evolve alongside the building; this page will be updated with the latest news on these initiatives.

Artists documenting the process

Suffolk-based photographer Douglas is presently recording changes to the site on a two-weekly basis throughout the build to create a visual archive of the project.

Miranda is a film-maker and photographer who has been commissioned to interpret the process of building firstsite:newsite. Exploring ideas relating to how we physically and psychologically experience spaces, she has recently been working in and around Colchester’s temporary bus station – adjacent to the new building’s site – talking to locals and watching the project unfold.

Artists responding to the process

Becky has begun to investigate notions of real and constructed space associated with the transition from the Minories to firstsite:newsite. Her process-based practice often involves in-depth research; for firstsite this will focus on expolring the different materials used in the building.

Richard’s artistic practice encompasses a range of approaches: performance, research, interventions. He is currently exploring his links to Colchester in more detail, following his recent discovery that the Layzell family lived on St. Botolphs Street in the 1800s. Using this research as a springboard for ideas, firstsite has commissioned Richard to respond to firstsite:newsite’s physical and social impact on the St Botolphs area and its residents. He intends to develop his work and is spending time in Colchester to develop his ideas.

Nathan Coley has been involved in the process of firstsite:newsite since the project's first stages when he was appointed as a member of the panel responsible for selecting the architects. He has also been a member of the design team, working with RVA and firstsite on issues relating to the design of the building. To continue his dialogue with the organisation, Nathan has now been commissioned to develop a new piece of work which will be presented in Jaywick in Autumn 2008.

Artists involved in the process

Simon has been working closely with the appointed landscape consultants – Gross Max – to develop the public areas outside firstsite:newsite. Currently at the research phase of his commission, Simon has been exploring ideas of lighting and design, which are both central themes to his practice.

	Richard Layzell, Gilding the Roof, 2007 firstsite's Engagement Programme Artists responding to firstsite:newsite 2007/8 Introduction We are working with artists under our ‘engagement programme’ and have commissioned 6 artists to document, respond to, and be involved with the process of our transition to firstsite:newsite. Over time these projects will develop and evolve alongside the building; this page will be updated with the latest news on these initiatives. Artists documenting the process Douglas Atfield Suffolk-based photographer Douglas is presently recording changes to the site on a two-weekly basis throughout the build to create a visual archive of the project. Miranda Sharp Miranda is a film-maker and photographer who has been commissioned to interpret the process of building firstsite:newsite. Exploring ideas relating to how we physically and psychologically experience spaces, she has recently been working in and around Colchester’s temporary bus station – adjacent to the new building’s site – talking to locals and watching the project unfold. Artists responding to the process Becky Shaw Becky has begun to investigate notions of real and constructed space associated with the transition from the Minories to firstsite:newsite. Her process-based practice often involves in-depth research; for firstsite this will focus on expolring the different materials used in the building. Richard Layzell Richard’s artistic practice encompasses a range of approaches: performance, research, interventions. He is currently exploring his links to Colchester in more detail, following his recent discovery that the Layzell family lived on St. Botolphs Street in the 1800s. Using this research as a springboard for ideas, firstsite has commissioned Richard to respond to firstsite:newsite’s physical and social impact on the St Botolphs area and its residents. He intends to develop his work and is spending time in Colchester to develop his ideas. Nathan Coley Nathan Coley has been involved in the process of firstsite:newsite since the project's first stages when he was appointed as a member of the panel responsible for selecting the architects. He has also been a member of the design team, working with RVA and firstsite on issues relating to the design of the building. To continue his dialogue with the organisation, Nathan has now been commissioned to develop a new piece of work which will be presented in Jaywick in Autumn 2008. Artists involved in the process Simon Periton Simon has been working closely with the appointed landscape consultants – Gross Max – to develop the public areas outside firstsite:newsite. Currently at the research phase of his commission, Simon has been exploring ideas of lighting and design, which are both central themes to his practice.