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The New Towner: The (unofficial) review
So it took two years longer than it should have done, and came in (almost) on budget… but was it worth the wait?
There are three things to consider about the Towner. What is the building like, what are the art exhibits like, and how does it change Eastbourne?
I believe the Towner will quickly become one of the most talked about buildings in the town, and one the best galleries of its type in the Country. It certainly has that potential.
There are a number of things that need to happen if it is to fulfil this, however. Most people agree that the building itself is stunning, and will soon become an iconic landmark for our town. The designers, Rick Mather, are to be congratulated.
But for me one of the best things about the whole place is the opportunity it affords to non artists!
Eastbourne has been a national leader in developing art projects, particularly for so called 'hard to reach' groups, and the opening exhibitions showcase some of this. Whilst it can mean the art itself can be hit and miss, it brings life chances to many people that would otherwise not have such an opportunity to be involved in 'the arts' at all.
This should be built upon. I particularly enjoyed some of the paintings from local school children that are displayed as part of the opening exhibitions.
On the first floor is the 'people's' choice'. A selection of some of the paintings held as part of the Towner collection, and very good they are too. And on the top floor is 'Nowhere Man', a collection of art from a Chilean artist, who apparently is very good. It was certainly very popular on Friday evening when the place was packed for an open evening.
Whilst some modern art is a bit beyond me, that doesn't mean I can't see the potential for selling our new wares as far and wide as possible. There is a significant London audience for this, and we must quickly and effectively market the Towner to new areas we haven't touched before. This will help change the bog standard, normal perception of our town.
The area of the ground floor, that fully adjoins the foyer of the Congress has enormous potential, and must be used as such.
This is the area that has always been designed to be the 'community use' area. This will mean it can be hired out by individuals for community events, and most significantly, offer a first class addition to the Congress for conferences.
It's an excellent place for exhibitions and trade shows, a vital part of top quality conferences, and this really must be maximised. The best conferences fill up hotel beds all year round, and bring a 'corporate' spend to our local economy, and this is going to be vital to us as a town as we go forward.
What are the down sides? I'm not at all sure that the coffee shop is going to come up to expectations. This is a key part of the Towner, especially as for much of the year it will rely on keeping local people coming back time and time again.
The council stuck with its catering contractors, meaning there is a distinctly average feel about the layout and design of that area. I would have preferred to see a Costa Coffee or another leading brand there, which would have acted as a pull in its own right.
However the 'aspect' of the coffee shop, the balcony and the views remain one of the highlights of the whole building.
I must say how disappointing it is that the 'screen' on the front of the Towner, which was designed to project images of the town, current exhibitions and itself be part of the art offering has now been completely given up on. It is already covered in seagull droppings, and instead of adding to the whole thing, it could quickly detract. This has to go down as a wasted opportunity.
While we're on the subject, I have heard that the fascia outside the Congress that tells us what is on at the theatre, will now not be used, because they can't change the words anymore (even though they have been doing so since the place was built in the 1960s). Why? Health and Safety! What nonsense – all they need is a new ladder!
Anyway, back to the Towner. So many said it wouldn't happen, and there were times over the years when many thought it wouldn't, but we as a town have achieved something that many other towns of our size, or even much bigger will be very jealous of. We must make the most of the opportunities this brings us. It has to work for us. It has to be a generator of income and a strong addition to our economy. We don't have the luxury of just having is as a gallery, it has to continually be in the public eye, offering something new and challenging the lazy stereotypes people have of Eastbourne.
Two more things that should be said. There is no way that this Gallery would have been built if local politicians had used it as a political football, as so many other things in Eastbourne are, like parking, the buses, events, etc. Right from the start the project has received support from all local politicians, and that is to their great credit.
Also, the team that run the Towner should be congratulated as well. There are many outstanding staff who have been committed to this project over many years, and the passion I saw among them when I was there on Thursday and Friday evening was brilliant to see. They are totally committed to making the Towner a success, and I believe they will do so – they certainly deserve it!
The director of the Tate Gallery was at the opening, and said that Eastbourne, as a result of the quality of the new centre, will have open access to the very best national exhibits. Well, if that's the case Eastbourne should be very proud. Most towns of our size would be delighted with such a venue, and whilst the hard work really starts now to make the thing work, the Towner is something we should all be very proud of.
Have a fantastic, and peaceful Easter, friends!
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Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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