Case Study: Sum Place, UK
A deep dive into Sum Place, and its unique artistic sculpture made from 250kg of recycled plastic.
Who are Sum Place?
Sum Place is an innovative, community-focused art production practice dedicated to transforming public spaces through meaningful and sustainable art installations. Based in North Tyneside, Sum Place collaborates with planners, designers, and local communities to create artworks that reflect the unique heritage and identity of the areas they serve.
One of their standout projects is the creation of ‘everysecondofeveryminuteofeveryhourofeverydayof’ for the North Shields Transport Hub. This striking installation features over 2,000 individually hand-pressed fish made from recycled plastic, hanging in a mesmerizing display that speaks to the ongoing issue of ocean plastic waste. The sculpture, weighing approximately 250 kilos, serves as a visual reminder of the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
Sum Place’s approach integrates extensive community engagement, ensuring that local history and cultural narratives are woven into their art. Their commitment to Net Zero principles and the use of sustainable materials underscore their dedication to environmentally responsible practices. By engaging local communities in the creative process, Sum Place not only beautifies public spaces but also fosters a sense of collective ownership and pride.
Originally starting as a smaller initiative, Sum Place has expanded its operations, continually pushing the boundaries of public art to inspire and educate communities about sustainability and local heritage.
For more information, visit Sum Place’s website and follow them on Instagram.
What Makes Sum Place Unique?
There are many factors that lead to a successful art project. However, let us break down some reasons we think Sum Place nailed it with its art installation.
Proven Track Record
Sum Place has a history of delivering impactful and meaningful public art installations. Their experienced artists bring a wealth of talent and creativity, ensuring each project resonates deeply with the community and achieves its intended impact.
Early Involvement of Sustainable Design Studio
Sustainable Design Studio was involved from the early stages, guiding the design process and assisting with the mould design, and machine selection. This collaboration ensured that there where no nasty surprises down the line, and that goals and timelines were easily met.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
A central focus of the project was recycling 250kg of plastic, representing the amount dumped into the ocean every second. This poignant message highlighted the critical issue of plastic pollution, aligning the artwork with global environmental goals and promoting a strong, relevant message that resonated with a wide audience.
Collaboration with the Council and Stakeholders
The success of the project was bolstered by close collaboration with North Tyneside Council and various stakeholders. This partnership ensured the artwork was aligned with the community’s needs and values, facilitating smoother implementation and stronger community support.
Effective Use of Repetition
By using a simple item – individually hand-pressed fish made from recycled plastic – repeated multiple times, Sum Place created a powerful and cohesive large-scale installation. This approach not only simplified the production process but also created a striking visual impact that underscores the project's environmental message.
Robust Community Engagement
Sum Place actively engaged the local community through workshops, a live pop-up art space, and job creation for young people. These initiatives fostered a sense of ownership and pride, enriched the project's narrative, and promoted art education and sustainability awareness. This deep community involvement ensured the artwork was not just a visual landmark but a symbol of collective effort and shared values.
Sustainable Design Studio Supplied
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Shredder Basic
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Arbour Injection Machine
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Custom Moulds
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Consultancy & Support
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