Touring observatory to inspire artists to engage with landscape

A HAMPSHIRE-wide project aimed at helping artists improve their work is set to be launched in Winchester.

The Hampshire-based creative practice SPUD (Space, Place-Making and Urban Design) has been working on a project over the past year to create a new workspace to help artists engage with the landscape.

The observatory has been designed as a sculpture, workspace and look-out with the help of architects and artists after a competition was launched earlier this year.

The first location for the observatory will be adjacent to Winchester Science Centre at Morn Hill from January 2015 for six months before moving to Lymington in July.

Winchester City Council proposed the location on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Council leader Cllr Rob Humby said: Winchester is known as a creative centre in the South, and we see this as an important economic driver as well as something which enhances the quality of everyday life in our District. I love the design that has been chosen for The Observatory and really hope that it will inspire our creative community to apply for residencies at Morn Hill and potentially also at its next stop on the Sea Wall in Lymington.

Would-be residents are asked to apply online at lookinlookout.org/#!residencies/cyuu and the closing date for submission is Friday, October 3.

The Observatory has recently received funding from Arts Council England and corporate sponsorship from James Latham plc who will be providing most of the construction materials.

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Touring observatory to inspire artists to engage with landscape