Job Summary
Are you an artist who is passionate about making public art that engages with local heritage, addresses modern needs, and is valued by the community and its visitors? Flourishing Barnstaple is seeking accomplished public realm artists to create iconic works for Barnstaple town centre.
Job Description
Flourishing Barnstaple, a North Devon Council initiative aimed at revitalising the town through arts and culture, is commissioning public art installations for Barnstaple town centre. The programme is funded through the Cultural Development Fund, delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This commission has been developed in collaboration with the Barnstaple Town Team for Culture.
The total budget for all the commissions is £200,000, to be divided between the selected works. This could involve a single large commission or several smaller ones – please come up with your best ideas.
The commissions will be awarded through a two-stage application process, with up to 10 artists selected at the first stage to further develop their proposals. The Expression of Interest stage is intended to shortlist suitable artists, who will then receive a payment of £500 to develop their ideas.
We welcome applications from artists at all stages of their careers, including students and recent graduates.
Artworks should be designed to last in good condition for a minimum of 20 years. A shortlist of locations and themes has been chosen for this commission. We do not necessarily expect to commission a work for every shortlisted location. Artists interested in submitting an expression of interest should contact Michelle Nicholson-Sanz Michelle.Nicholson-Sanz@northdevon.gov.uk to request the shortlisted locations and any other relevant documentation.
Timetable:
Deadline for submission of EoI: 5pm on Monday 18th November 2024.
Possible interviews over Teams: 25th – 29th November, 2024.
Notification of shortlisted proposals: Monday 2nd December, 2024.
Submission of Full Proposals: 5pm on Monday 10th February 2025.
Possible interviews over Teams: 17th – 21st February 2025.
Notification of selected commissions: Friday 28th February 2025.
Delivery and installation by the end of January 2026.
Job Responsibilities
As part of the commission, the artist must:
- Consider accessibility of the artwork(s) in the design and delivery processes.
- Work closely with the Council on the preparation of planning applications, traffic management plans for installation and other tasks as required.
- Provide detailed risk assessments for the completed artwork.
- Provide a detailed installation strategy and work closely with the Council on its delivery.
- Work with the Council on publicity relating to the commission.
- Provide detailed advice and guidance on the long-term maintenance and any specialist cleaning of the artwork required.
The Council will:
- Work closely with the artist during design and development, including public consultation.
- Lead on the securing of necessary consents.
- Implement the installation of the works, including any agreed associated works.
- Lead publicity for the commissions.
How to Apply
Artists may submit separate applications for more than one site if desired. Artists of all genders, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit their application in writing. Should you require any support or have particular accessibility needs for the application process, please contact us using the contact details below. If you wish, you can attach an Access Document with information about any specific accessibility requirements or needs you may have, or other accommodations that may help you participate fully in this commission.
For further information on how to apply, please contact Michelle.Nicholson-Sanz@northdevon.gov.uk to request the full artist brief for this commission.
- Contact name: Michelle Nicholson-Sanz
- Contact email: Michelle.Nicholson-Sanz@northdevon.gov.uk