Revitalizing the UK Seaside with Contemporary Art
When you envision the quintessential British seaside, images of fish and chips, donkey rides, and piers may come to mind. Nevertheless, as Blackpool opens a unique Art B&B and Folkestone gears up for its acclaimed Triennial, it is clear that contemporary art is becoming an integral part of the coastal landscape, playing a crucial role in revitalizing the fortunes of the UK’s coastal communities.
Artist-Designed B&B
Once, around three-quarters of the British population flocked to the UK’s seaside for holidays. However, in recent decades, many coastal towns, reliant on tourism, have faced serious decline. Yet, as highlighted in a 2019 House of Lords Select Committee report, these resorts are far from lifeless. For instance, Brighton attracts 11 million visitor nights per year and Bournemouth follows closely with 10 million.
Blackpool leads the way with 19 million visitors annually, aided by the renowned Blackpool Illuminations, the world’s most famous free light show stretching over six miles of promenade. To some, this northwest resort may be perceived as “the poor man’s Las Vegas.” However, arts professional Michael Trainor highlights that as early as 1900, Blackpool was welcoming 1 million visitors, while Las Vegas had a mere 36 residents.
Having dedicated 21 years to Blackpool, Trainor was instrumental in launching the Art B&B in December 2019, situated at “180 Promenade between neon and sea.” Each of the 19 uniquely designed guest rooms captures different aspects of Blackpool’s culture in immersive and original ways.
Not Just a B&B
Art B&B is much more than a place to stay; it also features a café-bar and event space open to everyone. Established as a Community Interest Company (CIC), the project aims to reinvest in the local community, extracting sustainability from the visitor economy. Consequently, workshops to nurture local talent and diverse arts events are organized regularly, including performances from groups like New Queers on the Block, tapping into Blackpool’s reputation as an LGBT-friendly destination.
Trainor emphasizes, “We are not trying to be a regular Blackpool hotel.” The building’s slate-grey exterior purposefully contrasts with the vibrant colors and flamboyant lights the town is famous for. Nevertheless, Art B&B plays a part in Blackpool’s ongoing cultural renaissance, which encompasses the extension of the promenade tram line, new hotels, a conference center, and art projects such as Painting the Town and the Blackpool Museum Project, set to open next to the iconic Blackpool Tower and ballroom in 2021.
More Art by the Sea
The attraction of British seaside resorts to creative minds isn’t a recent phenomenon. JMW Turner frequently visited Margate, drawing inspiration from its dramatic coast. His works feature the Kent landscape in over 100 paintings. Since 2011, where Turner once stayed has become home to the Turner Contemporary, an innovative gallery designed by Sir David Chipperfield that has introduced artists like Paula Rego, Antony Gormley, and Tracey Emin to the area. Moreover, Margate earned the nickname ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’ after hosting the prestigious Turner Prize in 2019, drawing interest from metropolitan creatives.
Festivals in Folkestone
Traveling 29 miles along the coast leads to Folkestone, where contemporary art serves to rejuvenate its community. The town hosts the Folkestone Artworks, the largest public art exhibition in the UK featuring 74 installations by 46 international artists, including renowned figures like Yoko Ono and Antony Gormley. Since the inaugural Folkestone Triennial in 2008, these site-specific artworks have continued to expand, adding significant pieces to the cultural tapestry of the town.
The Triennial has catalyzed other annual arts events, enriching Folkestone’s cultural calendar with offerings like the Book Festival, the Profound Sound Festival, the Normal? Festival of the Brain, and the SALT Festival of the Sea and Environment. Additionally, site-specific performance art is a regular feature, curated through local initiatives.
