MIPIM hears from artist focused on bringing economic benefits through a major new project

The artist behind a multi-million-pound major new piece of public art says that he hopes the economic impact of the project will be wide reaching.

Sheffield City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) selected the Onwards & Upwards project from a shortlist of four to go forward for consideration by the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund (NCRF).

That decision opened up the possibility of between £3m and £4m investment in the scheme, which SCR says maximises its potential as a catalyst for major regeneration and transformation of the Don Valley waterways.

Alex Chinneck spoke to potential investors and delegates about how the project will transform the Don Valley corridor, linking Sheffield and Rotherham, into a cultural destination.

Speaking at MIPIM, Chinneck said that the “Onwards & Upwards” project, which features a trail of sculptural chimneys, would be made in Sheffield because of the complex engineering and manufacturing technology needed to manufacture them. But also because the structures would generate wealth for local firms producing them and to ensure that it has a direct link to the history of the area.

He said: “This is a rare balance of something that is historically important but also technically complex. And it’s going to be made in Sheffield. At first, that was a strategy and now it’s a strength of the project.”

With around 40m cars passing the site, he feels that artwork will attract new people to the region and become a symbol of a gateway to the north; bringing further economic impact to the region from 2019 onwards when it is hoped work to install them will begin.

“In terms of the sits, that’s a prime area for real estate development and we have had positive responses from landowners and stakeholders. The trail is one mile long. It genuinely combines the arts, industry and recreation,” added Chinneck.

“It’s an expensive sculpture and I deeply believe that it’s the right construction from the arts which will support the region’s economic wealth. The reach and the status it will bring is extremely valuable; for businesses of all sizes.

“It’s about getting the balance right and making sure we bring economic benefit to business. We have a responsibly to bring the most impactful artwork to produce the best results.”

Chinneck said that cultural regeneration was a key driver and essential. He added: “It all translates into opportunity. There will be a tendering process for fabricators and manufacturers soon and as part of that there has to be apprenticeship opportunities for the region too.”

Close