The Waterfronts is an outdoor art installation that spans the southeast coastline of England from Margate to Southend-on-Sea. Launched in collaboration between seven art organizations, the installation marks the world's first art GeoTour. The organizers include Cement Fields, Creative Folkestone, De La Warr Pavilion, Hastings Contemporary, Metal, Towner Eastbourne, and Turner Contemporary.
Waterfronts invent a new outdoor cultural experience, which aims to connect art with the landscape. Local stories are showcased through the pieces in combination with global perspectives. One featured work is April is the Cruellest Month - a sculpture modeled by Iraqi-American artist Michael Rakawits. It depicts Daniel Taylor, a young soldier who served with the Royal Artillery in Basra, Iraq. Many other story-telling works are featured throughout the exhibit.
Coastal Outdoor Art Tours
The Waterfronts Outdoor Art Installation is on England's Coastline
Trend Themes
1. Outdoor Art Installations - There is an opportunity for artists and curators to create more outdoor art installation projects that connect with nature and promote community engagement.
2. Art Geotourism - The success of the Waterfronts installation marks the potential for more art GeoTourism experiences that connect art and culture with the local landscape.
3. Storytelling in Art - As seen in Waterfronts, there is an opportunity for artists to incorporate storytelling into their work, creating a more immersive and emotionally impactful experience for viewers.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Culture - Art organizations can broaden their reach and engagement by developing more outdoor art installation exhibits like Waterfronts that utilize the natural landscape and local culture as inspiration.
2. Tourism - The success of Waterfronts highlights the potential for tourism industries to collaborate with local art organizations to create more GeoTourism experiences that showcase art and culture unique to the area.
3. Public Art - The success of Waterfronts has proven the public's interest in engaging with outdoor public art installations, creating opportunities for cities and municipalities to incorporate more public installations into their urban planning.