Busking for ideas instead of money will be Exeter artist Nick Davies, in an attempt to explore future uses for the Exe Riverside Valley Park.
He will be at Exeter's Quay and Riverside Valley Park during the last two weekends of February, to find out what people would like to see along the River Exe, and what might encourage them to use the area more.
Nick will be making presentations under the what he calls, "The Department of Public Possibility", which he describes as, "a sort of DIY public body that looks at how public space could be – if imagination was no limit."
The conceptual artist will be presenting eccentric and thought provoking ideas, and research he has developed around the river's long history and its current uses, as well as asking for others to share their experiences and ideas for the city's river.
Rather than a polished professional presentation, Nick refers to his quirky, and slightly ramshackle public displays as being "like a kind of busking, but for people's ideas instead of their money".
Nick's antics are inspired by the most recent changes to the river's landscape through the current flood defence developments.
He said: "I see this as a time of change to look into our relationships with the river and what could be possible as we look to the future.
"There's so much that goes on around the River Exe, but you can always do more can't you?".
Nick can be found set up at points along the riverside during the last two weekends of February. He is working closely with Exeter Phoenix curator Matt Burrows on the project, and his artist residency has been funded by Arts Council England and the Environment Agency as part of the ongoing £30m Flood Defence improvement programme in Exeter.
The project forms the first part of a two-phase
public art programme for the Exe Riverside Valley Park. It aims to encourage greater public use of the area as a destination for recreation and as a community resource for residents and visitors, helping to connect people to the new environment being formed.
The project is a partnership between Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council, the Environment Agency and arts consultancy Ginkgo Projects, and will result in the proposal of a series of projects and activities to encourage greater use of the Riverside Valley Park area.
If you would like to share with Nick some information about the river, or your view on how the river could be improved, or you would like to find out where Nick will be and when, email Nick at deptofpp@gmail.com
To find out more about Nick's work visit www.the-tuber.co.uk
