A Cratehouse for Castleford

Castleford is currently host to an exciting new art work created for the town and local people by leading international artists.

Cratehouse for Castleford is a work of art by German artists, Winter/Hörbelt. Wolfgang Winter and Berthold Hörbelt are internationally recognised artists who have exhibited throughout the world in galleries and have represented Germany at important international art biennales including Venice and Liverpool. Since 1992 the artists have been invited to create 'crate houses' for over 25 public spaces worldwide, including Houston, Texas; New York; Obihiro, Japan; Hanoi, Vietnam; Ostend, Belgium; and a lighthouse in Skarhamn, Sweden.

Cratehouse for Castleford is made from shipping containers and bottle crates, objects whose contribution to contemporary life is taken for granted.

It is on land in Sagar Street, Castleford. Local people are able to view it etc to enjoy the whole Cratehouse experience.

The work can be seen as a symbol of the power of a united community to provoke a response, and which refuses to be overlooked.Through their sculpture, Winter/Hörbelt challenge the increasing global uniformity of public spaces that suppress individual town spirit. Castleford has rich cultural heritage deserving of international recognition and local pride. The sculpture will bring Castleford to the attention of international art professionals, several of whom are already involved in making further artworks for the town and offers a significant contribution toward the town's culturally led regeneration. It also complements the community regeneration schemes being achieved through the Castleford Project – which will be the focus of the world's first televised regeneration scheme when broadcast by Channel 4.

Winter/Hörbelt offer possibilities beyond everyday experience and through that suggest ways in which places and people can be extraordinary. Art in the open air enables everyone to touch art directly, interact with it physically and form opinions about it.

Cratehouse for Castleford is an Arts Council England, Yorkshire, commission managed by Yorkshire Sculpture Park.