At a time of increasing publicity and debate around public art, it is crucial we constantly reflect and question our methods and understandings of why and how public art is being commissioned. Ixia, the UK’s public art think tank, has begun commissioning new critical thought provoking essays that aim to raise debate and stimulate discussion.
In his essay, 'A New Year Provocation for 2008', artist David Patten clears up some confusion over the commissioning of artists in the development process, arguing that keeping artists at one remove from the development process, sheltered by agencies and curators, can add to the sense of unease and mystery over the artist’s role.
Also available to are: 'Art with Communities: Reflections on a changing landscape' by artist Loraine Leeson, and 'Maggie, Maggie, Maggie, Out, Out, Out!' by Freee.
ixia is inviting responses to these texts.