Open University advocate to be honoured in 60 year celebration.
A new statue honouring the woman who played a pivotal role in establishing The Open University, will be unveiled in Milton Keynes centre this year.
Jennie Lee, who was Minister for Arts in the 1960s, was a driving force behind The Open University, which has headquarters in Walton Hall. Her determination led to an ambitious idea becoming a world-leading institution, giving people access to higher education regardless of their background. The Open University has transformed education for millions of people across the world.
The announcement comes as the city marks 60 years since the government first received the groundbreaking White Paper from Jennie Lee (Baroness Lee of Asheridge) that set out an approach for arts provision in the UK, paving the way for the establishment of the Arts Council.
Milton Keynes City Council, which is commissioning the new statue, is inviting artists to submit initial proposals which will help shape a final design brief. The statue will be funded through developer contributions and will add to the growing collection of public art in the city centre.
“The Open University has changed lives across the globe, and it all started with Jennie Lee’s vision,” said Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking.
“Honouring her with a statue in the heart of Milton Keynes is a fitting tribute, celebrating both her legacy and the city’s reputation as a place of innovation and learning. We’re excited to begin this process and look forward to seeing artists bring this important story to life.”
“We’re excited to see the creativity Jennie continues to inspire through this artistic tribute, which will no doubt make a fantastic addition to our city and its cultural landscape,” added Professor Josie Fraser, Interim Vice-Chancellor of The Open University.
Artists interested in submitting proposals can get more details by emailing: culture@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
Pic: The OU.
