New York, Paris, London, Folkestone?

Mention of Folkestone in yesterday's post about Ruth Ellis led to this, today's blogpost. 

I've been to Folkestone, a coastal town in Kent, quite a few times in recent years - mainly because it used to host the annual Nudgestock behavioural science conference at which I have been a speaker and delegate in the past. Sadly, like so many live events, it fell to the social distancing scythe of Covid-19 and the conference has been held online ever since. In some ways that worked out well - without having to fund air fares etc. we can now enjoy talks from a wider variety of speakers from all over the world. However, I do miss the buzz of the event and the chance to catch up with friends. And I miss Folkstone itself which, in recent years, has re-invented itself. 

From being something of a run-down British seaside town, it's now a thriving centre for the arts and can boast that it now houses the UK's largest collection of outdoor urban art. Every time I've been I've followed one of the various art trails to find pieces by artists well known and less well known. Among the big names you will encounter are David Shrigley, Yoko Ono, Anthony Gormley, Cornelia Parker and Tracey Emin. Most of these can be found along the seafront where you can also enjoy views across the channel to the coast of France in the distance - we really are not so separate from mainland Europe.

Here are some photos I took of some of the artworks.

The many artworks on display are, in turn, interactive, poignant, clever, inspiring, thought-provoking or just plain beautiful - everything that art should be. There's so much to discover - even an authenticated Banksy. 

And the winding, tiny old High Street is full of artisan cafes, bakers and art galleries. There's also a busy Arts Centre called the Quarterhouse, and what was the old harbour train station has been converted into shop and cafe units. The harbour station project was unfinished when I was last there but now has another sculpture trail along the old rail track bed. I can't wait to visit to see the end result. 

All of which goes to show what I've always said - public art can regenerate towns, encourage tourism and visitors, and bring joy and pride to local inhabitants. You only have to look at towns where this has happened to see the truth. Look at Margate. Or look at the area around Shoreditch, Brick Lane and Hoxton in East London. These places are thriving and all thanks to art and artists. If you bring in the artists, the artisan shops will soon follow and then the shoppers and art lovers. People like to be in nice surroundings. And all it takes is a forward thinking local authority to make wonderful stuff like this happen. However, funding - as is evident from stories like the tragic Somerset Withy Man (see here) - is always an issue. Sadly, some people don't see the worth in art - all they see is what it's worth.

We can't all live in glorious countryside or beside stunning coastal views. But there's no reason why urban spaces can't be colourful and intriguing and beautiful. Art lifts people's spirits.

Do visit Folkestone's public art website here and look at the artworks. 

Or, better still, go and walk the art trails in person. They're fantastic. 

I can't wait to go back.