COLCHESTER.- Works by artists Sarah Lucas, Ryan Gander, Julian Opie and Bharti Kher are being installed in the gardens around Firstsite as part of a new project, Sculpture at Firstsite.

The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021 is creating the sculpture park in Lewis Gardens as part of its ongoing celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the striking Colchester landmark.

The six works – The fallow (Bharti Kher, 2019), Imagine you are driving a blue Honda (Julian Opie, 2004), Imagine you are driving a yellow car (Julian Opie, 2004), Everything is learned, I (Ryan Gander, 2010), Kevin (Sarah Lucas, 2013) and Florian (Sarah Lucas, 2013) – are on display from 20 November, and remain in place for at least 12-months. Four have been located on the lawn area to the north of the gallery building, with two set to be placed outside the front entrance.

Visitors will be able to view the works whenever they like as it will remain open 24/7.

Firstsite Director, Sally Shaw MBE explains the idea for Sculpture at Firstsite first came during lockdown, when they were unable to open the building. She says, “During lockdown outside space became so important and so we wanted to create something that enables art to be available for everyone to enjoy at any time, even when our doors are closed.

“We hope this project will help more people get up close and experience these brilliant artworks in the beautiful surroundings of our building and green spaces. We follow strict procedures in our building to help ensure it is as safe as possible, but we recognise that some people are unable to, or don’t feel ready to enter public indoor spaces yet, so Sculpture at Firstsite means they can enjoy art in an outdoor environment – and at any time of day. Our lawn is popular with families who like to play and picnic here, and the sculptures will provide something new they can explore and enjoy. It will also be a great place to wander around on a lunch break or during a shopping trip, providing a place to relax and reflect, giving locals and visitors another reason to visit and enjoy Colchester’s town centre.”