Art isn't always easy. When the idea of a giant 20-metre steel sculpture - an angel rising from the earth, towering above the A1 south of Gateshead - was first mooted in the early 1990s, the concept was viewed by many as controversial. Yet six years on the story is a very different one. The Angel of the North has gained iconic status, challenging local people to accept, comment and think about art in a very different way. It is not highbrow or difficult to understand and is totally accessible and free too all. And public art in Gateshead has not stood still since the Angel was erected in 1998. Gateshead Council has continued to develop its collection of public works and over the coming year, a number of new pieces will be unveiled across the borough. Here we profile some of what's in store. Opening Line, Gateshead Metro, Danny Lane Installed earlier this year, one of the largest public artworks to have been created in Britain, Opening Line, is situated in Gateshead's public transport interchange between two of the main bus runways. Composed of 19 elements in steel and glass, the sculpture runs for over 90 metres, rising to a height of over five metres above the ground and incorporates elements of engineering and maritime culture to reflect the history of Gateshead. Curved stairwell, Saltwell Towers, Saltwell Park, Bridget Jones Beautifully wrought curved glass screens form the core of the recently refurbished Saltwell Towers, which date back to the 1850s and will reopen this summer. Etched with the falling leaf stalks of the ash and the rising spikes of willowherb, the delicate glass curtain reflects the natural forms and colours of the surrounding park, with bands of blue, grey and green enamels. Lookout, MetroCentre, Cate Watkinson Lookout is set to become another landmark on the A1, sitting on the top of MetroCentre's new Debenhams building. Lookout is inspired by the enjoyment of shopping, reflecting the old fashioned shopping basket filled with goodies. A glass and metal basket filled with five metal spheres, one of which includes a time capsule. It will be lit up at night with colour to ensure it is seen for miles. Gateway features, Gateshead Quays, David Pearl Marking the entrances and exits to Gateshead Quays, the Gateway features will show the pedestrian entrance from South Shore Road to BALTIC and The Sage Gateshead and to the Oakwellgate area, linking the Quays to the Gateshead Town Centre. Standing six metres high each, the beacons will be composed of translucent acrylic tips in colour, stai8nless steel and different metal bases.. Glass balustrade, The Sage Gateshead, Kate Maestri Opening winter 2004/5, The Sage Gateshead will feature a spectacular 100 linear metres of coloured glass balustrade commissioned to run along the new building's concourse. Integrated into the design of the building in partnership with architects Foster and Partners. The ribbon of glass will be visible inside and outside the building, extending into the public squares on either side of the building. | 
