How art can prove major attraction

As an artist living on the outskirts of fastdeveloping Ashford over the past 30 years, I have been surprised there appears to have been little attempt to simultaneously stimulate development of a cultural identity here.

Canterbury has its cathedral and a wealth of well documented history to ensure local, national and international interest from far and wide. In addition it houses three universities, contributing in various ways to the already longestablished cultural ambience.

Of course Ashford cannot hope to compete with this, but it has to find ways to nevertheless raise the level of expectation for its residents and visitors, whether local or from further afield, either via its own ideally placed international railway station or by other means.

It seems to me the borough council should either call on the services of established external bodies adept at professionally advising on such issues, or perhaps better still establish its own core of experienced professionals to offer guidance.

Folkestone has in recent years held a regular contemporary art “triennial” exhibition around the town of either existing or commissioned work by a selection of international artists.

Inevitably reaction has not always been favourable, as is often the case with contemporary art, but it has by and large been well received and importantly attracted attention by various media both locally and nationally. Similarly Whitstable has done the same, generating a large influx of visitors as well as exposing its own population to a wealth of artworks it otherwise may never encounter.

The view expressed by John Lester (Express, August 28) that Ashford requires “some iconic landmarks” to celebrate its history is commendable, but I feel if such a proposal for these permanent public commissions were to be seriously considered, whether to reflect its heritage or not, they should be assessed by an appropriately experienced professional group and the works should probably be undertaken by a variety of artists. Prof David Hall Great Chart

I read with incredulity the double-page spread in last week’s Express on the next wheeze to waste our money.