A pop-up think-tank has arrived at the Adelphi roundabout to explore how people will use the planned University Square.
The Testbed is working with groups from the University of Central Lancashire and the local community on a series of events, engagements and artworks. The aim is to inform the public art and engagement strategy linked to the UCLan’s new student centre and square.
Due to be in place until Christmas, the Testbed is a 20 foot long shipping container that’s been converted into an office studio with full glazing, patio doors and electric supply.
A statement from the Testbed project said: “The Testbed is UCLan’s new temporary artist-in-residence installation. Set up as an investigatory ‘urban room’ and literal ‘think-tank’, it is looking to both engage student and community alike by exploring innovative new ideas.
“Developed by public art consultant Ian Banks of Atoll Collaborative, the Testbed is part of an evolving public art vision for the UCLan Masterplan. As such, the testbed is now hosting artist David Boultbee of BREAD Arts, as its first-ever resident artist. David will be initiating and prototyping new creative ideas, all linked to the developing public art and engagement strategy.”
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Building works for the £57m development of the student centre and adjoining square are due to begin in 2019. It’s all part of the ongoing UCLan Masterplan, which will see the city campus reimagined.
To find out more, visit www.thetestbed.info or email Ian and David at thetestbedpreston@gmail.com.
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Will you be visiting the Testbed? Let us know in the comments below.