New project is looking for ‘overlooked or unexpected’ places to inspire new works of art

Thinkers of the 17th century and 21st century come together in Hay Hill in Norwich. The statue of Sir Thomas Browne gazes down on modern man. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant � 2008)

Now a project is asking people to suggest places where they would like to see new creative works.

Called New Geographies, the project is looking for 10 'overlooked or unexpected places' across the east to inspire site-specific works of art.

A vast array of different places have already been highlighted, with Norfolk suggestions including the Scenic Railway roller coaster at Great Yarmouth's Pleasure Beach, Baconsthorpe Castle, Happisburgh Beach and Norwich Research Park. Suffolk nominations include Ness Point in Lowestoft and Electric Picture Palace in Southwold.

People have until Sunday to submit suggestions for the project which is led by the East Contemporary Visual Arts Network (ECVAN) and funded by Arts Council England.

A replica of Tatlin's Tower outside the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. The sculpture is part of the Radical Russia exhibition that has recently opened at the Sainsbury Centre. Photo: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Harriet Loffler, curator of modern and contemporary art at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, one of the organisations involved in the project, said: 'It is very much about finding new ways of exploring the region. It's a great opportunity for people to get involved and every time somebody nominates a place it is put on the interactive map on the New Geographies website. It is interesting to see what people have suggested - we have had more than 100 nominations across East Anglia so far which is amazing. We are looking for places that are overlooked or unexplored, places off the beaten track that people may not often think about.'

Donna Lynas, chairman of ECVAN, added: 'The idea is for us to create a new map of the East of England, one based on personal thoughts and reflections rather than historical or economic centres. Any location will be considered, whether poetic or prosaic...We hope these new commissions will be enjoyed not only by the people and communities that nominated them, but also bring visitors who will be able to explore the East of England through this new map of ideas and reflections; these New Geographies.'

Ten of the places nominated by the public will be picked to be the focus of the art commissions which will be created by leading UK and international artists during 2018 and 2019. To nominate an area, visit www.newgeographies.uk

Nominations close on Sunday, October 22.

The Scenic Railway roller coaster at Great Yarmouths Pleasure Beach. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: �archant2016)

Baconsthorpe Castle. Picture: Ian Burt

Happisburgh Beach at Sunset on the North Norfolk Coast. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Britains most easterly point 'Ness Point'. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: �archant2017)

Southwold's Electric Picture Palace. Photo: Andy Darnell (Image: Archant � 2010)