Have your say on Liverpool region DREAM statue at St Helens

A major survey has been launched to gather opinions on Dream, the landmark sculpture on the former Sutton Manor colliery in St.Helens that has been at the centre of controversy.

The survey is available on the dedicated Dream website www.dreamsthelens.com or via http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G29PVVH .

Anyone with an opinion is invited to take part and the survey is said to take only 5-10 minutes to complete.

The deadline for all inputs is Wednesday 10th March 2010.

St.Helens Council has commissioned leading public art agency Safle to assist in this work to build on Dream’s success, profile and community involvement, and so maximise the associated regeneration, promotional, commercial and other economic benefits for both St.Helens and the wider region.

The Dream legacy programme is supported by the European Regional Development Programme and will comprise the following core elements:

*a Borough-wide public art strategy, forward action plan, and evaluation framework
* a public art related Supplementary Planning Document
* a community/volunteer-focused ambassador and training programme
* Dream merchandise
* a social enterprise.

Councillor Richard Ferry, Executive Member for Urban Regeneration said: “Dream is a triumph for St.Helens. The sculpture has changed the North West horizon forever, providing a landmark sense of welcome and is both a symbol of regeneration for the region as well as a fitting forward-looking tribute to the site’s human heritage.

"We are keen to hear from the public, businesses, partners and external stakeholders alike about their views of local public art and the public realm. This is your chance to have your say regarding what needs to be done now and in the future to maximise the positive benefits of Dream.”

Dream, part of Channel 4’s prime time “Big Art” TV series, has received worldwide media coverage and won a number of national and international awards for both its aesthetic appeal and technical accomplishment.

These include the 2009 Marsh Award for Excellence – given annually to the best public sculpture in the country - the 2009 Creativity in Concrete Award, and a commendation at the Northwest Royal Town Planning Institute awards for Best Community Artwork. The sculpture has recently been nominated for a Civic Trust Award, which are given to projects that are culturally, socially or economically beneficial, and make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment.

For further information on Dream please visit www.dreamsthelens.com

*The £2m project was backed with money from the North West Development Agency and there was criticism that the sculpture designed by a Spanish artist had little relevance to St Helens.

Plans to floodlight the 60 ft tall landmark have also been blocked over fears it could be a "nightmare" for motorists.

Safety campaigners and even Highways Agency officials are concerned that the huge sculpture of a woman's head is a rubber-necking risk for motorway drivers.

Highways Agency officials blocked plans for powerful flood-lights to illuminate the face at night.

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