Ford Fiestas reimagined as tidal artworks appear around Plymouth

An unusual sight will greet Plymouth residents from 3rd September as four Ford Fiestas, transformed into tidal instruments by artist David Cotterrell, begin their journey around the city.

These installations are part of 'Intertidal', a new commission from the cultural programme Sea for Yourself, which challenges perceptions of how people interact with the sea.

The Fiestas, located initially at Tinside, Mount Batten, Tavistock Place, and Mount Edgcumbe, are not roadworthy. Instead, they are designed to mimic the rise and fall of Plymouth's tides using hidden reservoirs, pumps, and digital technology.

Intertidal invites viewers to question the boundary between sea and land, bringing the tides' rhythm into urban spaces through these familiar vehicles.

Where Does the Sea Really Stop?

Intertidal asks viewers to reconsider the sea's presence in daily life by placing its rhythm inside one of the most recognised objects, a car. As the disguised vehicles move across different parts of Plymouth, they animate the city's connection to its marine environment.

David Cotterrell said: “We live alongside the tide, but it’s remarkably easy to stop noticing it. I wanted to take that familiar rhythm and place it somewhere it doesn’t belong – inside an object we barely give a second glance.”

Collaboration Across Disciplines

Creating Intertidal required the collective efforts of artists, engineers, and marine specialists. The project involved the rebuilding of 25-year-old Ford Fiestas into vehicles using technology and engineering to transform tidal data into physical motion.

Seb Soper of TR2 Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “Working with David and Plymouth Culture has presented us with a distinctly different space in which to tell a story."

Tide Together Programme

Intertidal also marks the start of Tide Together, engaging the community with workshops, conversations, and activities centred around the tides. The initiative will include Tide Cafés and educational resources, inviting diverse participation and exploration within Plymouth.

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, commented on the ambitious scope and multi-disciplinary nature of the project, aiming to forge connections between residents and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Discover More at Plymouth Sound

Intertidal directs attention to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, encouraging exploration and interaction with the local marine environment through the accompanying Tide Together programme.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE highlighted Plymouth's innovation and creativity, presenting the tides unexpectedly and aiming to foster a deeper relationship with the city's marine heritage.

Find Intertidal in Plymouth

Initially, the transformed Ford Fiestas will be located at Tinside, Mount Batten Car Park, Tavistock Place outside The Box, and Mount Edgcumbe. Their location will change, offering surprising encounters with urban tidal art.

To stay informed about their movement and related activities, visit the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park website.

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