�2m ‘RUN’ sculpture to go up outside Olympic handball arena in Hackney Wick
A new two million pound sculpture will go up outside the Olympic handball arena in Hackney Wick.
Three nine metre-tall letters forming the word ‘RUN’ will be constructed on the plaza of the handball arena in the north of the Olympic Park later this year.
The permanent artwork, by Monica Bonvicini, will be made of glass and stainless steel, producing a mirror affect during the day.
At night the letters will become more transparent and glow with internal LED lighting.
Planning permission has already been granted and construction will begin in the autumn.
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The project’s budget is �2.1 million and it will be funded mostly by the London Development Authority and the Greater London Authority with a smaller contribution from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
Sarah Weir, head of art and cultural strategy at the ODA, said: “We wanted to commission a new and innovative piece of public art that would animate the plaza and be fitting for both the Games and the legacy of the park.
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“A number of renowned artists were shortlisted for this commission but Monica’s proposal was chosen by an independent and expert panel because it fulfilled all the ambitions for this key location within the Olympic Park. The sculpture is unique and ambitious but will be relevant and fitting - we hope it will help illuminate this part of the Olympic Park for many years to come.”
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “This ambitious programme and the calibre of art reflects the remarkable creativity of our city and particularly east London today.”
Bonvicini’s artwork, ‘She Lies’ was installed last year in Oslo‘s harbour as a permanent work that floats opposite Norway‘s national Opera House.
