A splash of down under to Freeport Fleetwood this summer

Childhood nostalgia has arrived at Freeport Fleetwood in the form of an interactive puddle – the first of its kind to come to the UK. The centre will be taking the plunge this summer with two interactive puddles designed by Australian artist Anna Crane. The special artwork was installed yesterday (Thursday 28th July) at the Fleetwood-based shopping centre. It will be live until the end of August, providing a full month of entertainment.

The bespoke sensory artwork will be created using a complex team of mixed design disciplines to create the illusion of water. The puddle will use motion sensors to activate interactive sounds and smells, creating an association with memories from childhood for adult visitors. You can see the puddle in action here.

The centre has chosen the smell of bubblegum within the design to trigger memories of splashing in puddles and chewing gum as a child. Furthermore the sound of water is set to transform the urban setting of the centre into an oasis of blue calm. The interactive elements of the design will appeal to children of all ages, making this a fun and welcome attraction at the centre.

Australian artist Anna Crane chose Freeport Fleetwood for her first UK commissioned design over their shared philosophy around the importance of community, which aligns strongly with her own beliefs.  See her puddles here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m87GKMeqwe0.

Crane said: “Since arriving in the UK in September 2014 I have been actively pursuing the public art scene, but my real passion lies in shopping centres and public spaces. This is an unusual, passive artwork that comes to life when interacted with, catapulting the user into the presence and allowing the conscious brain to explore the artwork using only basic primal senses. I am so excited to work with a centre where our core beliefs align for my first commissioned UK design, and I can’t wait to see the puddle come to life once more.”

Freeport Fleetwood will also be debuting a second art project with Anna, this summer, named Squares. Squares will be a growing artwork created with the help of Freeport visitors that will morph and change as visitors add to it, allowing customers to see the progression of the art with each visit to the centre. Squared will be sited beside the playground, and will be used to raise donations for both Trinity and Brian House.

John Magee, Manager at the centre said: “Summer is a time for fun and we’re so excited to display two incredible pieces of interactive art for both children and adults to enjoy. We are immensely proud that Anna has chosen our centre as her first project outside of Australia, and we can’t wait to debut all of her hard work this summer!”

Both pieces are now live and will be in place throughout August, giving customers all day entertainment for a whole month.

For more information about Anna visit http://jagerstudio.com/.

For more information visit @FleetwoodOutlet http://facebook.com/fleetwoodoutlet http://www.freeport-fleetwood.com/