CultureDale Public Art - Artist Commission
Project name: ‘Beacons’
We are seeking experienced public realm artists with a visual arts practice to create an impactful outdoor light installation. The installation will work as a standalone piece responding to the theme of the project: BEACON – working with light and space as an integral feature. The installation should also reflect the landscape, architecture and the heritage of the people who live there. Your proposal could be for an existing work which can be effectively re-sited or a completely new piece. Above all, we are looking for proposals that will delight and surprise visitors of all ages. Applications can be made by individual artists or a collective of artists working in collaboration. Artists will be based in Calderdale or have experience of working in Calderdale.
Budget:
£9,000 per installation (3 available).
All design, materials, production, transport, and specialist installation and removal of the installation, insurance for theft and damage of the installation and Public Liability, and security for the piece costs must be included in the £9000. Please contact us if you wish to discuss security cover.
Application deadline: midday on 21st February2025.
Timeframe:
The successful applicants will be expected to begin work upon notification from mid-February 2025 with a view to installation being open to the public through the weekend of 28th-30th April 2025 as part of the closing celebrations for the Year of Culture.
Aims and objectives:
The commission will deliver 3 individual light installations located in Todmorden, Brighouse and Halifax which can be viewed from a distance. Artists are asked to identify the location for the installation and seek permission from the landowner.
The installations will provide a chance for communities to come together and celebrate the local area. They will be inspired by local history, geography or draw on themes from the past 50 years of the Calderdale Borough.
We are looking for installations that are artistically unique and of high quality. Installations must be suitable for the outdoors and structurally resilient to withstand changing weather conditions. Designs incorporating recycled materials will be additionally weighted within the selection process.
Community Engagement:
There is not a requirement for community engagement. However, your proposal may include engagement opportunities – please state this if so.
About the site:
The sites must be in Todmorden, Halifax and Brighouse. Artists can identify a suitable location and will need to have gained permission from the landowner. The location must be viewable by the public but at enough distance to minimise physical danger or damage to the installation.
Considerations:
Artists will be project managing from start to finish, working in close collaboration with the CultureDale team, Parks and Green Spaces Team, and anyone else involved in the production. Designs should be non-political, with no advertising, religious agendas etc.
We are interested in works that explore new ways to use light and the use of Green Energy Solutions.
The artists will create contemporary artwork that is relevant to the local area and enhances the space.
Outline Process and timeframe:
Opportunity promoted by open callout.
Submissions close on midday 21st February 2025
Panel decision 28th February, with successful applicants informed by 6th March 2025.
Fabrication period March – April 2025.
Installations viewable across 28-30th April 2025.
Installations will be removed on 1st May 2025.
Applications will be appraised on the following:
Ability to demonstrate delivery of previous high-quality sculptural work from start to finish.
Ability to deliver on time and budget.
Previous experience of creating public realm artwork.
Previous experience of working on complex projects with multiple stakeholders and an understanding of safety considerations when working in the public realm.
Links in the design to local history, geography, or 50 years of Calderdale.
Successful applicants will be expected to begin work on their installation from mid-March 2025
Artist Fee:
Three awards will be granted of £9,000 per installation (ALL COSTS FOR THE PROJECT INCLUDED).
Insurances:
The artists will be required to provide details of Public Liability and other relevant insurances as requested. The artists will be responsible for insuring the work against theft and damage up to completion and until removed from site.
Sustainability:
The appointed artists will be required to adopt a sustainable approach to the delivery of the commission which could include:
Considering the environmental impact of the fabrication and installation of their piece.
Sourcing materials, equipment, and resources locally.
Considering options to use utilise recycled or recyclable and reusable materials.
Copyright and ownership
After the project the artist will own the installation and hold the copyright indefinitely.
Access & Support:
Access considerations must be incorporated into the concept design to ensure accessibility/viewability for persons with disabilities such as wheelchair users. Successful applicants will be required to provide an audio description of the installation. CultureDale runs an Accessibility Advisory Group and a partnership project with Visits Unlimited which artists would be able to consult with.
This is an open call to artists and sculptors with previous experience of public sculpture and who have had a previous commission around the value of £9,000 or more, who are in residence in Calderdale and/or whose practice/production is based in Calderdale.
To apply please submit the following:
• CV
• An artist statement
• At least one example of a previous project of similar scale
• A single page response to the brief including brief costings
• A draft visualization / concept drawing /image
Please email applications to culturedale@calderdale.gov.uk no later than midday 21st February
Applications can be made in written, video or audio format. If you require support or have any requirements which need to be met to complete an application, please contact culturedale@calderdale.gov.uk.
.png)
