Hans Ulrich Obrist proposes public art project to combat UK economic crisis

Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of Serpentine Galleries, has proposed a large-scale public art project for the UK government, inspired by the New Deal's Works Progress Administration (WPA). In an interview with The Guardian, Obrist suggested a modern version of the Public Works of Art Project that employed over 3,700 artists and produced more than 15,000 works during the Great Depression, boosting careers of artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. The proposal aims to support artists and cultural workers amid the economic fallout from COVID-19 and Brexit, which took effect on February 1, 2020. Tate director Maria Balshaw echoed Obrist's call, emphasizing the role of museums in fostering creativity during adversity, citing Italians singing on balconies. British Museum director Hartwig Fischer stated the institution needs government aid, as closures have eliminated revenue. Arts Council England has already created a £160 million emergency response package for organizations and artists, with revised funding criteria.