Arts

Worldwide competition for visual arts centre

The competition to build a new visual arts facility in Colchester, which will eventually house the University's Collection of Latin American Art, has got underway with over 100 international responses and a short list to rival that of any national monument.

The Department is a key player in the partnership behind the new multi-million pound contemporary visual arts building that will primarily be the new home for Firstsite, Colchester's visual arts organisation, when it opens in 2006.

Run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the architectural design competition evoked an international response. Those short listed include Rafael Vinoly Architects, who were runners-up, behind Daniel Libeskind, in the competition to win the new build project on the World Trade Center in New York, and Future Systems whose innovative designs include the new Selfridges building in Birmingham, and the NatWest Media Centre at Lords.

Dr Neil Cox, Head of the Department, said: 'The vision is to create a landmark building that will have regional, national and international significance. The quality of those architects who have been short listed more than lives up to our expectations and we are very much looking forward to the announcement of a winner, hopefully in January 2004.'

A second stage of short listing, in which only four architects will have the opportunity to outline their ideas for the new building, which will take centre stage in the regeneration of the St Botolph's Quarter, is now underway.

Gilad wins BBC Jazz Award

Art History graduate Gilad Atzmon recently won the Best CD Award at the third annual BBC Jazz Awards which were held at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall in August. The award for his album Exile was presented by Verity Sharp, who is a presenter on Radio 3.

The show was co-hosted by Courtney Pine and Humphrey Lyttelton and was a star-studded gala celebrating the entire spectrum of jazz.

Before the presentation Gilad performed tracks from his award winning album with his band the Orient House Ensemble, and according to the BBC web site 'added an infusion of political intellectualism'.

Gilad has been described as the UK's best jazz artist. Born in Israel, Gilad has achieved world-wide recognition for his musical career. He has written for modern ballet, films and original music for the BBC and performed as a member of the Blockheads. Gilad also recently recorded and performed with Ian Dury, Robbie Williams and Paul McCartney amongst many others.