A CONTROVERSIAL piece of river-borne art returned to dry land again yesterday as preparations were made to take it on tour.
Divers removed Ambit, a 22-tonne chain of stainless steel cylinders, from the River Wear, at Sunderland, to allow marine engineering specialists to assess its suitability as a floating ambassador for the city.
Sunderland arts chiefs plan to make a bid for National Lottery funding through the Arts Council to adapt Ambit to move from one watery showcase to another.
The overall project has already cost £250,000, but further funding is needed if it is to go on tour. Piers Masterson, Sunderland's public art officer, said although Ambit was designed to be a permanent feature on the River Wear, it was "uniquely moveable for a sculpture of its size".
He said the ultimate venue to showcase Ambit would be the world-famous Biennale arts festival, which is staged on the canals of Venice, next summer.
Artist Alison Wilding said she was "enthusiastic" about a tour for her work.
Catherine Pearson, Sunderland's head of arts development, confirmed: "It's definitely coming back and this is not a reason to sneak it out of the river.
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