Andrew Dwyer

Three dimensional design / Public art / Urban design / Project Management / Art & Design Based Training

I am a 3D designer/artist working in the field of urban regeneration and public/community arts. I work on urban design, regeneration and schools/community arts projects and educational, training and mentoring programmes. In 2009 I set up an arts organisation - Leopardo Arts - with the aim of promoting recycling and environmental issues through artistic activities and festivals.

Key Skills:       
                                                                                         
Creative   - Prolific generation of ideas, identifying and developing the most promising of them to the highest standards.
3D Design   - From concept sketches to models, through to fabrication drawings and overseeing fabrication and installation.
Public Art   - Site specific, relating to immediate environmental and local cultural characteristics.
Urban regeneration   - Using art and design to empower local people to prescribe their future environments.
Community participation      - Planning and undertaking art workshops and consultation exercises as a means to involving local people and to inform the design process.
Project Management   - Complete management from conception and planning to delivery, hand over and exit strategy
Art and design training   - To adults, young people, post graduates and socially excluded people. One off sessions to accredited courses.
Team working   - I regularly engage with the public, clients, students, steering groups, local authorities, contractors and professionals in order to facilitate the smooth running of projects.

Recent & Key Projects:

London Road Development, Dunstable [2008 - 2010 Lead Artist and Project Manager] I am working directly with architects and developers to integrate art and design features relating to the local environment into the fabric of a significant new social housing development in Dunstable. Shortly due for completion, the development includes several artistic interventions including a feature designed through collaboration with sixth form art pupils from a local school.

London borough of Camden [2010 Lead Artist]     I devised, planned and delivered three participatory arts projects underpinned by a sustainability theme with Camden schools. The first created human sculptures from recycled materials and 5-7 year olds that were presented in the Broadgate Centre in the City of London and then as a photographic exhibition. The second project, led to the creation of a large environmental artwork on the Thames foreshore and a recycled art installation back at school. The third culminated in the making of a ‘life size’ tree sculpture part fabricated from junk mail.

Downside Arts Generate [2002 - 2010, Project Manager]            This long term project in Dunstable was delivered through a partnership of South Bedfordshire District Council and Free Form Arts Trust. It succeeded to bring about positive change on the Downside Estate through a creative art-based approach to urban regeneration which engaged the local community and all Downside service providers. My role was project manager of the various strands that made up this programme for Free Form Arts Trust. This included physical regeneration, community festivals, events and conferences, art workshops and arts consultancy to architects and developers.

Asolo Recycled Arts Festival, Italy [2008 & 09 Project Manager/artist]            With two colleagues, I organised and participated in two, three day arts festivals with a focus on recycling and the environment. We worked with several artists from a range of disciplines delivering, visual arts, theatre, community workshops, music and a small open conference. 2010 festival planned.

Leonardo Programme [2007 Artist]            One of 5 UK artists working on a collaborative project with Romanian artists in Bucharest to create art for the Sfanta Macrina Children’s hostel.

Bullard Garden [2006 Lead designer & Project Manager]            This Norwich suburban green space was well overdue a makeover, but the community was severely split on whether to have a formal garden or a play space. Through careful consultation and negotiation a successful solution was found. An aesthetically traditional garden that provided for unprescribed play as well as quiet relaxation.

Stepney Waterfront [2002 Lead artist]    Created a design for eighty finials for new canal side railings as part of a new housing development. Also designed slip patterns on glass paviours used in the same development.

The Bulrush [2002 Lead artist & Project Manager]            A 15m high stainless steel landmark sculpture in Leyton, designed to create a positive identity for an industrial area in the Lea Valley.

Newark           [2001 Lead artist]                  Millennium sculpture and decorative lamp brackets in riverside park. Designs developed with input from local children through poetry and art workshops.

Willenhall [2001 Lead artist]      A participatory public arts project in the Midlands which entailed extensive consultation and participation with town centre users, local schools, community and youth groups. I designed five sculptures and a wall piece being placed in the town centre, all of which linked to the town’s strong industrial heritage.

Foleshill [1998 Lead artist]      A 12m high landmark sculpture Coventry. The design celebrates the local ribbon making industry and represents local cultural aspirations. 

Employment History:
• 3D Designer/Public Artist.                                         Freelance - London                                 1997 to date
• Furniture maker and exhibition
   technician/exhibition display
   fittings maker.                                                              Freelance - London                             1994 -1997
• Public Art Fabricator.                                                  Chalk & Grime - Edinburgh              1992 -1994
• Regional Newspaper Journalist.                             The Journal Group –
                      West Midlands                                         1990 -1992
• Industrial designer                                                      Detailing audio recorder
                      design - Leeds                                        1990
Education:
BA (Hons) 3D Design                         Exeter College of Art & Design                           1987 -1990
BTEC OND 3D Design                       Cumbria College of Art & Design                      1985 -1987

Interests:
Creativity - ideas and innovation, new experiences and meeting interesting people.
The arts, photography and travel.

Other Information: 
Public & Products Liability Insurance to the value of £5m.
Current enhanced CRB and clean driving licence.