A COLCHESTER town centre gallery has applied for planning permission to create a new sculpture garden outside the attraction.

The new garden would be installed outside Firstsite, in Lewis Gardens, for a temporary period of 12 months and feature six different artworks.

Four will be located on the lawn area to the north of the gallery building, with two set to be placed outside the front entrance.

The sculpture garden is being planned as part of celebrations to mark the gallery’s tenth anniversary.

A planning report states: “This outdoor exhibition comprises six installations by four significant contemporary artists.

“These artists are based locally to Firstsite and internationally, from Suffolk to New Delhi.

“The works have been selected for both their quality and impact as artworks, and with consideration to the specific requirements of the site.”

Artists whose works will feature in the sculpture garden are Julian Opie who created Colchester band Blur’s iconic Best Of album cover, Bharti Kher, Ryan Gander and Sarah Lucas.

Residents will be able to explore the garden and view the works whenever they like and they would remain open in the event of future Covid lockdowns.

The report adds: “The exhibition reduces barriers for audiences to engage with creativity, building on the gallery’s aim to show art for everyone, every day.

“This aligns with the gallery’s intention to embed equality into the fabric of the public realm around Firstsite, as the ongoing development of Colchester’s ‘Creative Quarter’ continues.

“By encouraging footfall in the public spaces around the gallery, the exhibition will contribute to post-pandemic recovery and give locals and visitors another reason to enjoy the town.

“It will change perspectives about the spaces immediately around the gallery and invite a more positive perspective of them.”

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Earlier this year, Firstsite was named as one of five nominees for the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year, the world’s largest museum prize.

If it wins it could secure a £100,000 funding boost.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans. whether to approve the sculpture garden plans.

To view the proposals, search 212354 on Colchester Council’s planning portal or click here.