WIREDGOV

A symposium in Dorset is set to discuss the relationship between art and tourism and the impact on community, economy and the environment.

The Excursionist - How can tourism work for art and art work for tourism? will take place on 8 and 9 October on the Isle of Portland, a limestone outcrop framed by the Dorset coast defined by its history of stone working and military defence.

Over two days of conversation and creative provocation, delegates will look at how the two sectors can interact and discuss whether art can increase awareness of potential issues and support a responsible, sustainable approach.

The event is being run by National portfolio organisation b-side, an artist-led organisation which works with and commissions artists to make new site-responsive work revealing the marginal, often forgotten and less commercial aspects of coastal towns and communities.

b-side invite artists to make artworks in response to place: often drawing upon the history, architecture and geography of a particular site or working with communities as source of inspiration and research.  Their role gives them a unique insight into how art and tourism interact.

Sandy Kirkby, b-side producer and conference organiser, said: 'Partnerships are being formed between arts and tourism organisations and we'll be exploring what this actually means for these organisations and the artists they work with.

'In rural areas, tourism is increasingly seen as the answer to supporting the economy and sustaining communities.  Arts organisations are looking to the landscape as a venue and a backdrop.  They're developing events, creating a cultural calendar to augment and celebrate this offer.

'But for every positive argument put forward in support of rural tourism, there can be a counter argument. When there's an influx of visitors what is the impact on the landscape and the people who live there? We'll be discussing whether art can be used effectively to increase awareness and understanding of some of the potential issues arising from these impacts and what role the arts can play in augmenting the tourism offer whilst also maintaining artistic integrity.'

The Symposium raises a number of issues with regard to resilience and sustainability and will include a series of interventions and discussions including:

• An introduction from Artangel Co-Director James Lingwood and artist Katrina Palmer
• A conversation exploring the responsibilities, sensitivities, successes and failures of putting communities in the tourism spotlight, led by artist Alistair Gentry and anthropologist Julie Crawshaw
• A session focussing on balancing the needs and expectations of visitors whilst simultaneously protecting natural environments and resources, led by Tom Munro, Dorset AONB and Joss Allen from Deveron Arts
• An interrogation of the positive - or otherwise - implications of tourist-driven agendas, and the economic impact for both the area and the arts, led by Dr Nigel D Morpeth of Leeds Beckett University and Sue Jones, Director of the Whitstable Biennale

The Excursionist - how can tourism work for art and art work for tourism? takes place on 8/9 October.  For more information visit www.b-side.org.uk/symposium.