Massive art exhibit coming to Weston Super Mare
UNBOXED will see an entire North Sea offshore platform built on the seafront
Last updated 22nd Oct 2021
The entire platform of a North Sea oil rig is coming to Weston Super Mare next year.
Yes you read that right.
Repurposed and labelled "SEE MONSTER" it will be installed at the town's Tropicana site as an art exhibit.
North Somerset Council have revealed the news, saying it will come to the town as part of a national arts and culture scheme called UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK
In total ten locations all across the country will host projects.
In a statement on the Council's website they say SEE MONSTER "will use its unique seafront location to harness the power of the elements".
They say it will use the weather to provide renewable energy for the structure.
It will also feature planted gardens and a waterfall with places to meet, be a fun and educational place which will focus on weather, climate change and green technologies and have a dedicated outreach team with a science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) focus.
"SEE MONSTER is expected to attract up to 200,000 visitors over the two months it will be in Weston-super-Mare," the council say.
"Entry to SEE MONSTER will be free, with local residents getting a first look.
"Information regarding ticket access will be announced later this year.
"The build will start in spring 2022 and will take approximately two months."
Leader of North Somerset Council, Cllr Don Davies, said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as one of the ten locations for UNBOXED and we see great opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors during the eight weeks SEE MONSTER will be with us.
“The renewable technologies that will be showcased at SEE MONSTER support our ambitions for North Somerset to be net carbon neutral by 2030 and we are delighted to support and host this installation.
“It will also provide educational opportunities for our children and young people with close links to our local schools through the community outreach team.”
A programme of local school visits will run throughout the duration of SEE MONSTER.