The Lighthouse

Artist and architect duo Sans façon, Tristan Surtees and Charles Blanc, explore the relationship between people and places through site-specific projects which range from ephemeral performances and permanent pieces in public spaces, to developing and implementing strategies involving artists in the rethinking and re-qualification of specific places.  The majority of their work renews awareness and tempts interaction with the surroundings and is developed in close collaboration with communities, organisations and individuals including City councils, theatre companies, architects and composers.

They like to see the role of the artist and of art as a catalyst in a process of raising questions and inviting one to look and think differently. They aim to create work that can be valued, not solely as product but for what it reveals, what it allows to be seen, enjoyed and thought about.  Artist involvement in built environment projects generates an opportunity for continuous exchange with the locale, its people, its spaces and its belonging to a wider context. Beyond a way of looking, the artists interventions allow to share a situation for all parties involved, creating continuity between the existing and the future of the place.

Current projects include: Watershed+, a city-wide program for the City of Calgary to renew the relationship between citizens and watershed where artists and artistic practices are embedded within the City's core activities, participating as members on infrastructure design teams, contributing to project design, development of events, community education and communication; Laycock Park, part of the design team for an urban park in Calgary, including temporary and permanent interventions; Limelight: Saturday Night, an international light installation and video work exploring the potential of public spaces by expanding the role of urban lighting, replacing street lighting with theatre follow spots in ten cities; Urban Orchard, design and implementation of a public space for Worcester University City Campus.

VELOCITY talks…

VELOCITY presents a series of regular talks and conversations inviting international, UK and Scottish speakers to address issues arising from the VELOCITY programme.  The events also offer networking opportunities for VELOCITY stakeholders: professionals working in city planning and urban regeneration, creative practitioners, artists, architects, designers, producers and arts professionals.

FREE but booking essential - please call or email The Lighthouse

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