Over 20 internationally acclaimed artistshave been commissioned by the organisers of the Folkestone Triennial to create news works that will on display in the own through until mid-September. Artists such as Christian Boltanski, Tracey Emin, Mark Dion, Jeremy Deller, Tacita Dean and Mark Wallinger have all contributed to the project with artworks that engage with the Kent town’s history, people, society and surroundings.
The Triennial (which means every 3 years) was conceived by co-curator of the British Art Show 2005/06, Andrea Schlieker and forms a major component of the creativity and arts-led regeneration of Folkestone, which is being driven by the local arts charity, Creative Foundation, which is chaired by leading UK philanthropist Roger De Haan.
The works on are being shown in a variety of public places, such as historic buildings, parks and promenades. Some, such as Mark Dion’s “Mobile Gull Appreciation Unit” are (as the title suggests) mobile and can be seen in different locations throughout the event.
Additionally the works are not confined to the traditional. On Folkestone’s cliff top promenade called The Leas, French Artist Christian Boltanski has created a sound installation at four benches where voices heard are reading letters to and from servicemen of the First World War. At Baker's Gap on the East Cliff side of the town Susan Philipsz has created a multi-speaker sound installation. Philipsz can be heard singing an acapella version of ‘Dolphins’ made famous by Tim Buckley in the mid 1970s.
For the traditionalist there is a wealth of visual art from David Bachelor’s ‘Disco Mechanique’ on display at the Metropole Galleries to Tracey Emin’s ‘Baby Things’ seven sculptures located throughout the town.
Beyond the high profile names and grand works Folkestone also offers a haven for new artists and those seeking to promote their work. The Creative Foundation has developed an area of Folkestone in to what is now known as the Creative Quarter where they own and rent out properties, now mostly galleries, to artists at affordable prices. A stroll down Folkestone’s cobbled Old High Street brings a wonder of fresh delights to the eyes.
Creator and Curator Andrea Schlieker commented, “It’s a tribute to Folkestone’s truly inspirational character that our roster of acclaimed artists from LA to Lodz have all responded with extraordinary enthusiasm and artistic insight to creating works for this seaside town. Our aim is to bring art of the highest quality to the widest audience, and to put Folkestone on the cultural map in the same way that Münster receives world-wide recognition for its Skulptur Projekte. We are especially excited about the legacy element of the Triennial which will maintain the focus on Folkestone as a place committed to contemporary art beyond the timeframe of this inaugural exhibition.”
