ixia is an independent voice for public art, initiating debate, promoting research and encouraging innovation and change.

NEW NOTICEBOARD

Do you have any comments or queries which other users of ixia's website could help with or respond to?

The new Noticeboard is designed for any theoretical comments or practical queries you have on issues relating to public art, practical advice about delivering public art commissions and current debates!

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NEW CRITICAL WRITING

ixia, the public art think tank, has begun commissioning new critical texts which are available on this website. 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. These thought provoking essays, specially commissioned by ixia and independent practitioner Sophie Hope, tackle issues close to the heart of the writers and aim to raise debate and stimulate discussion among you, the readers. Add your responses and comments to our new 'Questions & Comments' page on the website!

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RESEARCH

ixia has just published a Planning System Update which provides a review of the proposed changes to the planning system and their impact on public art. ixia will issue further updates when information about the changes is made available by the Government. This Update should be read in conjunction with our July 2007 review of public art and the planning system and process in England. For further information and to download free copies of ixia's review and update, please go to Research.

Seminars have been organised to deliver the findings of this review. For further information see Training.

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TRAINING

Public Art Evaluation Toolkit Seminars

ixia is currently running a series of seminars throughout England to deliver an Evaluation Toolkit for those involved in public art. For further details please click here.

Public Art and Planning Seminars

ixia is delivering seminars on public art and the planning system and process. For further details please click here.

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PORTAVILION

Portavilion is a portable public art project that will occupy a trail of famous parks across Central London throughout the summer 2008. A group of highly acclaimed international contemporary artists will present their own ‘pavilion' specially created for a park environment.

Portavilion launches in June 2008 with the following artists' projects:

DAN GRAHAM - Holland Park

TOBY PATERSON - Potters Fields Park

ANNIKA ERIKSSON A- Regents Park

MONIKA SOSNOWSKA - Primrose Hill

For more information, please visit: www.portavilion.com

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ON THE WATERFRONT CONFERENCE
Culture, Heritage and Regeneration of Port Cities

Liverpool, 19-21 November 2008,
BT Convention Centre, Kings Dock

On the Waterfront is an exceptional conference with an international focus hosted in Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 2008. It will explore the future of port cities, how culture can drive port city regeneration - from Liverpool to New York, Shanghai to Lagos. How can culture breathe new life into the historic environment while ensuring their distinctiveness is not lost for future generations?

There is a strong emphasis on the role culture led regeneration can play, the importance of tourism and how projects in cities such Mumbai and Gdansk have utilized previously redundant areas to fashion vibrant and diverse places where creativity has flourished alongside economic resurgence.

Speakers include:

· Professor Eddie Friel – universally recognized as being central to Glasgow’s transition from ship builder to international cultural tourism destination. He will present case studies from New Orleans and New York.

· Sir Bob Scott – International Director of Liverpool 2008 and successful leader of the Manchester Commonwealth Games bid.

· Professor Franco Bianchini – (Cultural Policy and Planning, Leeds Metropolitan University).

· Dr Alfred Zack-Williams – (President of the African Studies Association, UK) explores the legacy of empire and impact on race relations, from gateway to empire to city in torment.

· Pax Nindi – (Vice President, World Carnival Association) and Giles Agis (Brouhaha International), highlight carnival as a tool for celebration of diversity, cultural engagement and the telling of multiple histories.

Conference Fees £250 (limited subsidised places available).

To find out more visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/onthewaterfront or email mailto:onthewaterfront@sam-culture.com