In Certain Places is a public art initiative and action research project based in Preston, Lancashire, which examines the role of artists in the city, particularly within the context of urban regeneration.

Delivered in partnership by the Harris Museum & Art Gallery and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the scheme was initiated in 2003 in response to the planned regeneration of almost one third of Preston city centre. Over the last seven years, In Certain Places has worked with regional, national and international artists to develop temporary public artworks for the city, hosted artist residencies in empty shops, and organised a series of free public talks about art, place and the city, which are free to download as podcasts from this site. These activities have helped to develop a culture for public art in Preston and have influenced urban planning and re-development in the city.

The focus of the scheme is currently being expanded to encompass broader understandings of place, regeneration and the city. As part of this process, In Certain Places is currently working with artists Magda Stawarska-Beavan, Susan Walsh and Shezad Dawood to develop new artworks for Preston, which embody a global understanding of place. These ideas were also explored in a one-day symposium entitled Place Beyond Place, which was hosted in an empty shop in Preston on 28^th April 2010.

In Certain Places is run by Charles Quick, Elaine Speight and Philippa Leeming, with curatorial support from Lubaina Himid. For regular updates about the project, please join our mailing list, or make friends with us on Facebook.