Background

East Midlands Development Agency (emda), in association with other regional partners including Arts Council England, East Midlands, commissioned this major piece of public art to help mark the massive programme of cultural activity and investment in Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton and Nottingham. The commission was designed to support the creation of vibrant cultural quarters and to link the region’s scientific and technological achievements to the flourishing arts scene.

 

It is anticipated that this unique commission for the East Midlands may be shown at international arts festivals across the world, promoting the East Midlands as a forward thinking UK region and celebrating its skills in creative technology.

 

The commission helped to drive cultural tourism, strategically boost economic development, and put the region on the map for hosting internationally significant, new, creative work. Development also includes the potential provision of around £200,000 of capital equipment for use by the region’s thriving creative community.

 

emda was set up by Government in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development. By 2010 emda wants the East Midlands to be one of Europe’s Top 20 regions. It will be a place where people want to live, work and invest because of the regions vibrant economy; healthy, safe, diverse and inclusive society; and quality of life. It will be a Top 20 region for turning creativity into wealth.