Midlands-based art agency, Planet Art has been awarded the commission for an art installation at Shropshire’s newest business park in Bishop’s Castle.

The piece will take pride of place on the business park and will recognise Bishop’s Castle heritage and beautiful surroundings.

Julie Edwards and Ron Thompson, also known as ‘Planet Art’, are a Midlands-based arts partnership and have worked together for nearly thirty years. The company has specialist experience in creating work in public spaces and communities.

The commission was open to local and regional creatives and once closed, a panel of local representatives from Bishop’s Castle shortlisted five submissions, and awarded the commission to Planet Art.

The winning design is laser cut sphere made from stainless steel with LED lighting. It will celebrate the town of Bishops Castle and all it has to offer.

Julie Edwards of Planet Art shared her delight of the project:
“We love Shropshire, and especially Bishop’s Castle. Consequently, when the commission was advertised, we had to apply. We love to visit the area and walk in the local hills. We are inspired by the town’s history, the buildings, the rurality, farming community and the cultural richness the area has to offer. To us, Bishop’s Castle has its own unique and special little world, and we wanted our design to represent that. “

Planet Art have previously created public realm pieces for a variety of clients nationally and internationally. Locally, this includes commissions for Newman University in Birmingham and two structures for Telford & Wrekin Council for the Southwater development.

Bamber Hawes, involved with the shortlisting process, shared: –
“There were a number of original designs submitted for consideration. That being said, the panel were was unanimous in our its decision and Planet Art’s concept is the ideal design for the business park. Following the decision, I have met with Planet Art and was truly impressed by their approach. They will no doubt do a fantastic job.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for growth and regeneration said: –
“There are many factors to consider when designing an art installation, ranging from visual design and aesthetic to the durability, maintenance, safety and overall engineering of the structure. Planet Art’s design was well-considered across all of these areas and recognised the beauty Bishop’s Castle and Shropshire has to offer. Congratulations, I look forward to seeing the sculpture come to life next year.”

The council-owned park secured £1.27 million European Regional Development funding last year which included the provision of a public realm artwork piece.

Construction of the site began at the end of June 2021 and has recently been completed. The sculpture is scheduled to be unveiled in early 2023.