Art in the Bearpit

For a long time, the Bearpit was viewed as an unsafe and unpleasant part of Bristol. Dark, depressing and dank subways linking Stokes Croft to Broadmead, somewhere to avoid or walk through very quickly.

However, with the advent of the Bearpit Improvement Group (BIG) in 2010 things have changed, and changed significantly.

Art has always been an integral element of the improvements to the Bearpit. On Saturday, May 2 between 2pm and 4pm, a six-month art project curated by Hand In Glove begins with the Keepers, a live performance by artist Vickie Fear. The Keepers are a collection of living sculptures, gently insinuating themselves into the lives of those who spend many hours in the Bearpit and those just passing through.

Sunday sees the official launch of Art in Bearpit with Philip Cheater’s Pavilion, a sculpture which has been described as part sculpture, part shelter.

We spoke to Hand in Glove’s co-director Leela Clarke about Art in Bearpit and what visitors can expect.

When were Hand in Glove commissioned to produce Art in Bearpit and by whom?

We’ve been developing Art in Bearpit since the beginning of last year after we were approached by BIG to curate a programme of art for the space. BIG are a group  of local residents, businesses and activists who have been working hard over the past couple of years to improve the neglected roundabout site and transform it from a no-go area to a thriving destination to gather for events, art, eating and shopping. We were successful in securing some funding from Arts Council England and Bristol City Council to pilot a six-month programme of art commissions and events in the space. 

How did you select the artists?

We were familiar with all of the artists’ work, either because we have worked with them on previous projects, or they have applied to our open call projects in the past but they weren’t quite the right fit at the time. Earlier this year, we also ran an open call for a couple of micro-commission projects. All of the artists are united by a sense of playfulness, visual intrigue and the ability to create something unusual, interruptive or inspiring for visitors and participants. They are also all local, coming from Bristol, the south west and south Wales.

What can visitors to the Bearpit expect?

We’re presenting a series of unusual interventions and encounters which will interrupt the everyday life of the city. The first three months of the programme include a dazzling sculpture, costumed performers, and a surprise party for commuters will land in the Bearpit this summer.

Pavilion is a geometric structure designed with a dual purpose: a visually-striking sculpture and a sheltered space for public events and happenings. Artist Philip Cheater was inspired by the hexagonal landscaping of the Bearpit before its recent makeover, and by the dazzle graphics of health and safety signage. Pavilion juxtaposes the patterns of warning with an invitation to enter and share the space with others: reflecting changing public attitudes towards the Bearpit itself.

The Keepers are watchful, costumed creatures who will move in and silently occupy the Bearpit. Known for her startling public-sited installations, artist Vickie Fear designs and creates hand-finished costumes for her sculpture-performers to wear. The Keepers will highlight the political potential of the Bearpit, a space for public unrest as well as festivity.

An Everyday Party will be a fun-filled gathering in the Bearpit, hosted by artist Megan Clark-Bagnall. With party bags, music, games and a mystery cake, the event will celebrate Bristolians and their daily commute. An Everyday Party also draws attention to the Bearpit’s growing reputation as a destination, not just a thoroughfare.

 The Cloud is a night of talking and dreaming, led by artist duo A-peg. With local residents and thinkers, the artists will start conversations around changing spaces, urban regeneration and transformation of the city. White pillows are handed out, and participants are invited to spend the night under the stars.

Subterranean will temporarily and subtly disrupt the Bearpit space. Artist Polly Kelsall will install an earthy reminder of what lies beneath the surface of the city, and what connects urban centres to their edgelands. 

How did you choose the location?

Hand in Glove have always been interested in producing art projects within the public realm and when this opportunity to work in the Bearpit came along we were really excited to get stuck in and present something memorable for this iconic Bristol site. Last year we curated performance and sculptural work for the Scout Hut and harbourside on Redcliffe Quay; in 2013 we commissioned Bristol artist Anne Deeming to create unusual sculptural works for public benches, bike racks and litter bins. 

For more information about Art in Bearpit, visit www.artinbearpit.com