Two Minds - Artists Architects

Lets start from the beginning...

According to Jes Fernie in her book Two Minds, “Interest and activity in the field of collaborative practice between artists and architects is growing rapidly.” Crucially, this initiative emphasises best practice in planning of coordinated art and architecture in partnership. Conversations are now beginning, with artists involved at design stage regarding aesthetic, spatial and conceptual uses of buildings and the public realm.

Local examples like Laganside Corporation's enhancements of the waterfront together with the integration of art into buildings such as the Mater Hospital, Bar Library, Belfast, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Verbal Arts Centre and Gasyard, Derry, all show interest in continuing this debate. The RSUA Two Minds Initiative will be marked by an interesting exhibition and publication whilst furthering the collaboration concept.

Who brought it to Northern Ireland?

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) were responsible for bringing the initiative to Northern Ireland. This is the professional body for registered architects in Northern Ireland. Chartered RIBA members in Northern Ireland are automatically members of the RSUA. The Society is actively involved with PLACE, an architecture and urban design exhibition centre on Fountain Street, Belfast. The Society issues a journal Perspective on a bimonthly basis and organizes the annual RSUA Design Awards.

This Initiative was enabled through the support of a principal funder; Arts & Business. Arts and Business is the world’s most successful and widespread creative network. They help business people support the arts and the arts inspire business people, because good business and great art together create a richer society. Arts & Business works to deliver its vision across the UK through a network of 17 offices.

The Initiative is being delivered by Project Manager Marianne O’Kane Boal. She has been actively involved in arts and architecture in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for the past seven years and has worked as a curator, researcher, consultant, interviewer, critic, advisor, and lecturer. She writes regularly for Circa, Perspective, Irish Arts Review, Living Design and the Buyers Guide to Irish Art. She has curated over forty exhibitions and is on the Editorial Committee of Perspective.

When did it launch?

Two Minds was launched on 16 th February and Guest of Honour was Trevor Leaker, President of RSUA. Commending the organisers of Two Minds and RSUA Events Convenor John Reid as instigator, Trevor Leaker, described Two Minds as "an initiative that perfectly illustrates the intentions and potential of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects as an agency of advocacy and collaboration."

Partnerships were determined at the speed-dating themed launch event and are: Gerry Murphy and Keys and Monaghan Architects, Dara McGrath and Robinson McIlwaine Architects, Lucy Turner and Hegarty Architects, Tara Kennedy and Studiorogers, Louise Rice and Caroline Dickson Architects, Brian Connolly and Robinson Patterson Parnership, Tony Stallard and Hall Black Douglas Architects, Janet Preston and Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects, Lulu Quinn and Mackel & Doherty Architects, Adam Kalinowski and Todd Architects.

The website was launched on Monday 4th June as the result of a student competition created for second year students studying Interactive Multimedia Design at University of Ulster. The winning design was selected by representitives of the RSUA, A&B, Two Minds team and two of the students lecturers. It was felt that the winning design successfully represented the creative collobration of art and architecture in a simple, clean and effective design. The winning team was made up of Adam Turtle, Caroline Smith and Robert Montgomety. To find out more about the team click here.

Need more information?

If you would like to find out more information about the Two Minds Project you can visit the forum which has the most up-to-date news and features regarding the Two Minds Project.

Alternatively you can contact our Project Manager Marianne O'Kane Boal by email at info@twominds.info.

Click for more information on Marianne O'Kane Boal.