Radar

Radar is a programme of artists' residencies in public libraries across Lancashire.

Through collaborative arts activities and experiences the scheme considered the role of libraries as free and accessible public gateways to culture, and the implications of the evolution of digital culture on this core function.

Radar's first resident Jennie Savage spent time with Lancaster Library's staff and users developing her project; A Walk from A-Z. This explored the new and multiple uses of the library building as it searches for its identity in the digital age, the radical roots of the original library movement and its relation to the city.

A Walk from A-Z is a 20 minute audio walk that takes you on a tour of the history of the library movement via the collection at Lancaster Library. From roots in the Chartist rebellion through to the library’s relationship to digital culture you will walk a map which draws this line back onto a locality.

Click here to get more information about it and to access the project.

Jorn Ebner was the second artist in residence, who has spent the past two months at the Harris Library, Preston from October 2010. During his stay he has worked on a project called Impending Unrest, a project investigating the environment of the library space, incorporating parts of his stay in Preston.

Click here to get more information about it and to access the project.

David Titley  was the final resident, in three libraries in Pennine Lancashire; Nelson, Brierfield, and Burnley Campus. In March 2011, visitors to each of these libraries found out about and contributed to David's unique and intriguing ongoing story.

Click here to get more information.

----------------

The term Radar is an apt analogy for the residencies, which will extend the digital opportunities currently available in the county's library service and identify future potential. The scheme was developed in partnership between folly and the Lancashire County Library and Information Service. Radar saw resident artists work with library staff, users and communities in the county, exploring relationships between the virtual and physical cultural experiences on offer and potentially available through public libraries. The scheme developed out of creative consultation activities, commissioned by folly in 2009.