Folkestone Triennial Launched: Tales of Time and Space

The first ever "Folkestone Triennial" has been launched described as "one of the most ambitious public art projects to be presented in the UK". The Triennial is a three yearly exhibition of works which will be specially created for 23 public spaces across Folkestone, and many of which will be left in place after the end of the event. The first event will take place in summer 2008.

The organisers, the Creative Foundation, launched the first Folkestone Triennial, Tales of Time and Space, took place in front of the Orient Express at Victoria Station this morning.

The curator of the Triennial will be Andrea Schlieker, a renowned curator of national and international exhibitions of contemporary art. A number of internationally acclaimed artists including Mark Wallinger, Christian Boltanski, Mark Dion and Tracy Emin have been commissioned to create new works for the first Folkestone Triennial which will run from 14 June - 14 September 2008.

The Folkestone Triennial is the idea of the Creative Foundation and Roger De Haan. In an interview with Building magazine, he explains:

"We've invited some of the leading contemporary artists of the world. The idea is to produce works that are connected to Folkestone and reflect something of the place, its culture and its people. It's very much an open brief. Some of them will raise eyebrows and some are mobile works, which will be that much more engaging."

The Creative Foundation's Roger de Haan said it was inspired by a similar event in Munster, Germany, which now attracted 500,000 visitors a year.

Mr de Haan said: "We also expect a significant number of visitors and I think that in turn will attract hoteliers and restaurateurs who want to invest in Folkestone."

Related Links

• Folkestone Triennal 2008 Commissioned Artist: Adam Chodzko
• Folkestone Triennal 2008 Commissioned Artist: Mark Dion
• Folkestone Triennal 2008 Commissioned Artist: Tracey Emin
• Folkestone Triennal 2008 Commissioned Artist: Heather & Ivan Morison
• Folkestone Triennal 2008 Commissioned Artist: Mark Wallinger