THE PUBLIC GETS DOWN TO WORK…WELL, ALMOST

30-06-2008

West Brom’s £52 million art gallery The Public finally opened its doors to the public this weekend – but although an estimated 10,000 visitors flocked to a free two-day festival, there was disappointment that the main attraction still wasn’t working.

The interactive gallery – which snakes around the interior of the building from floor to ceiling – is the key to pulling in the punters from way beyond the Black Country, and was a key reason for the Arts Council's support.

In the event, those on guided tours had to rely on guides to tell them how the exhibits would work, but were forced to suspend judgement on how user-friendly they are.

What we do know is that it’s all about creating your own unique pattern as you walk around, which will then be transferred onto a mug, T-shirt or fridge magnet.

It sounds fun – so let’s just hope the touch screen technology on which it relies is robust enough to deal with the crowds of prodding, probing school-children.

So what else has this controversial building got to offer?

Well, there’s the cinema and theatre space - much needed in Sandwell – and the Longroom on the third floor is a light and airy space ideal for children’s activities – indeed, it’s the kind of building kids will love roaming around.

At ground level, there’s another informal performing space, while the top storey ‘lilypads’ provide office space for the creative industries – the aim being to create a kind of Custard Factory for the Black Country.

Add in the recording facilities, and it’s hard to argue that this much-maligned “pink shoebox” won’t be a major asset to the region it’s meant to serve.

Yet for all that, it’s ultimate success or failure will be determined by that still unproven gallery.Much has been made of the admission price – although at £20 for a family it’s cheaper than Birmingham’s Thinktank and half the price of Cadbury World – but the real test will be the quality of the centrepiece.

That alone will determine whether The Public is seen as a landmark in community arts – or a white elephant.

For more details of forthcoming events see www.thepublic.com

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