The Observatory - intriguing art, innovative architecture. An amazing space for 12 artists to work in over 2 years in 4 special locations across the UK.

The Observatory: - www.lookinlookout.org - will create a unique and exciting sculptural and architectural structure and a work space for artists, which is directly accessible by the public. It will offer artists the opportunity to engage closely with a specific place, providing space and shelter for investigation and sharing with an audience. It will be an inter-disciplinary project involving artists, architects and other professionals and students providing creative learning opportunities throughout all phases for students and the general public.

The Observatory will intrigue people and act as a beacon that draws attention to a place - in this case 4 very special locations along southern England from the South Downs to the Tamar estuary. The Observatory will be movable, flexible and reconfigurable. It will offer opportunities for a variety of artists (working in differing media) to create new work in response to the special locations.

This is a major project and a fantastic learning experience for the young design team that will build The Observatory. It will provide unique opportunities for artists to make new work, highlighting the beauty and value of our landscape. It will also enable audiences of all ages to encounter art and artists outside conventional galleries, encouraging conversations and offering a new perspective on the nature of art and the natural environment.

At the end of its time in each location (6 months, 3 artists per location) there will be an exhibition in the local area. On culmination of the two year programme there will be a major conference in partnership with a UK University to share what we will all have learned from the programme.