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The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland: Report on the Public Consultation

18.0 ARTISTS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE

18.1 Many respondents welcomed the statements made in the framework document on the connection between art and architecture and the important contribution artists and craftspeople can make to the processes and products of building design. There was some criticism, however, that this section of the framework document was somewhat limited in scope and did not refer specifically to public art.

18.2 The benefit of collaborations between architects and artists was commented upon by several respondents. It was suggested that art and craft should be an intrinsic part of any new architectural project from the outset and not merely added as an afterthought. Respondents commented on the "percent for art" concept. One respondent felt that the concept had been largely discredited because in many cases it had encouraged a sterile approach and unimaginative results. Nevertheless, there was strong support for collaborative working in principle and a suggestion that the "percent for art" concept should be reworked to encourage creative partnerships and collaborations which could lead to a more integrated way of developing artistic ideas.

18.3 A number of respondents noted that artists should be involved as early as possible in the development of projects. One respondent commented that the early involvement of artists and craftspeople was as necessary as the involvement of any other specialist in the design team. Another respondent noted that the artist should be valued as a professional design team member. It was suggested that all public sector projects should support the commissioning of artists as a matter of course and the use of tax incentives to encourage the commissioning of art and craft work was suggested. One respondent felt that "champions for art" are required, pointing out that the Italian Renaissance would not have happened without enlightened commissioners who understood the potential contribution artwork could make to the built environment. Respondents noted that art and architecture collaborations have been used successfully in art and design education. The positive role that the public art agencies can play in facilitating these collaborations was highlighted by respondents.

18.4 Several respondents commented on the absence of any mention of public art in the framework document. These respondents felt that the role of public art within urban renewal projects was too important to overlook and should be addressed by the policy on architecture. The role of public art in helping to establish local and national identity was commented upon and it was felt that the Millennium Spaces Project, organised during Glasgow 1999, was an example of how public art and architecture could be combined to rejuvenate spaces between buildings. It was also felt that this type of project offered scope for community involvement and an opportunity for environmental issues to be discussed in an imaginative way. Within the realm of public art, streetscape was felt to offer the potential to locate different approaches to artwork commissions, including environmental art, street furniture, graphic art and video work.

18.5 Respondents pointed to the success of Lottery funded capital projects in promoting art in architecture. It was felt that these projects had amply demonstrated the benefits of collaborative working. The RSA¹⁴ Art for Architecture scheme was also thought to have demonstrated similar benefits.

18.6 Several respondents suggested that a policy on architecture should focus attention on the contribution of craft skills within the construction industry. It was felt that a culture needed to be encouraged which values art and craftsmanship in construction. Respondents also felt that greater acknowledgement should be given in architectural education to the value added by craftspeople and to the practical skills of the construction trades.

18.7 Several respondents commented on the shortage of craft skills within the construction industry and called for support to be given to the development of such skills within apprenticeships. There were also suggestions that there should be government support for apprenticeships schemes for heritage and conservation skills which focused on areas of skills shortage. It was pointed out that the maintenance of diversity in visual character of local buildings would be dependent not only on the development of appropriate craft skills but also on the continuing supply of regional and local traditional building materials.

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