An outdoor revolution is taking place in South East Essex. Five artists have been commissioned to bring together local communities to regenerate neglected open spaces. The projects draw on history, heritage and local culture for inspiration. They also pose the question: "Do we need art?" Can it genuinely transform the way people relate to where they live? Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership, through the Investing in Communities (IiC) programme has initiated Art U Need, which is funded by the East of England Development Agency and Arts Council England, East and managed by visual arts agency Commissions East. "Art U Need demonstrates how local people can contribute to improvements of public spaces," said Mary Spence, Chief Executive, Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership. The ArtistsAndrea Mason is leading an outdoor revolution at Northlands Park, Basildon. From now until March there will be walking circles, speakers' corners, a poetry slam, dog-off, mass frisbee, mass tree hug, and even a mass picnic. Residents can get hold of diaries with details of the events, they're also encouraged to them complete them with poems, drawings and rants. On Canvey Island, Lucy Harrison is raising awareness of Canvey Heights - previously the local tip. She has set up the Rendezvous Club, which meets monthly and is open to anyone interested in walking and talking about the area. At the Garrison Estate in Purfleet, Jane Wilbraham's project draws on the rich and varied history of the town in particular transport, the water and its proximity to London. She is creating a semi-permanent, mobile structure in the form of a giant fish, which will operate as a multi-functional spectacle kiosk, information and distribution centre and performance platform, and tour around Purfleet. A secret sculpture is taking shape in Rochford Reservoir. Artist Hayley Newman has been working with a group of residents to design the sculpture - it will be dropped into Rochford reservoir, and will then be retrieved for reassembling by another group. Milika Muritu's project aims to change local perceptions of the Queensway Estate. Her proposed artwork, the Queensway Streams, will consist of one continuous band or ribbon of transparent and translucent colour, made from shiny jewel-like perspex. | 
