East Midlands Artist commission for Humanities Building, University of Nottingham
Deadline: May 28, 2012, 5:00 pm
East Midlands Artist commission for Humanities Building, University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham wishes to install a new artwork in the Foyer area of the new Humanities Building on University Park, Nottingham. The work should be designed to hang vertically from the ceiling and be visible from at least 2 sides. Applications for 3-dimensional artwork will be considered. The work should reflect, or be influenced by, the academic departments which make up the School of Humanities: Archeology, Art History, Classics, Philosophy and Theology.
The University has a budget of £8000 for this project to cover the original work, its installation, any specialist equipment required to install, materials, travel and VAT. The University would welcome proposals that are also able to make use of a vertical liftshaft with a blank, flat surface at the rear of the Foyer, though this is not essential. Lighting and power costs relating to the work and its installation will be met by the University of Nottingham Estates Division.
The University expects to commission the work from an artist resident in Nottinghamshire or the East Midlands. The work can either be made for the purpose, within the timescale available, or it can be an existing work which the University deems appropriate for the installation.
Commissioning process
A small shortlist of (maximum) 3 submissions will be asked to display their design in the building from June, and on the intranet, so that building users can express their views to the organisers. This can be in the form of drawings, photographs or a model. These can be removed from mid-July. Unfortunately, the University cannot pay for a commission of a new design model or macquette. The final choice of work is expected to be installed by 14th September, 2012.
Siting
The sculpture will be installed in the Foyer area, which is a public meeting space and through-flow for users of the Humanities Building. The Foyer is overlooked on 4 sides, and has a maximum drop from ceiling to floor of 12.6 metres. The artwork should finish at least 3.5 metres from the floor. A location plan, photographs and map of the site are available from the Project Manager, whose address is at the bottom of this brief. You are welcome to view the site and space by arrangement; please contact the Project Manager, who will explain how to access the site, and the relevant maximum load on the Foyer ceiling.
The University of Nottingham Estates office will manage the installation. The artist should liaise with Estates and the Project Manager, Tim Harris to ensure smooth planning.
Essential Skills
- Understanding technical requirements and responding to the artists brief.
- Quality of design in a 2 or 3-dimensional medium.
- Experience of delivering similar commissions of a permanent nature, lasting at least 10 years.
- Supporting and responding to any media and press enquiries as necessary.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Maintenance and durability requirement and responsibility for maintenance
The University will take on responsibility of maintenance and cleaning of the work once the contract is signed off and both parties are satisfied that the installation has been completed successfully. The artist will provide detailed advice and guidance on the long-term maintenance and specialist cleaning of the sculpture and will be available to answer questions when appropriate on maintenance issues. The artist will also be expected to provide the University with a detailed risk assessment relating to the installation and viability of the installation.
Artist's copyright position and clarification of ownership of work
The artist will own the design of the final work only and will inform the clients in writing if the design is replicated elsewhere.
Decommissioning
If the clients choose to decommission the sculpture then they will notify the artist in writing.
Artists are required to submit an application by email to the address below, containing:
- A visual representation of the artist’s own work, relevant to the above commission specification.
- An explanation of how the work should be suspended from the ceiling or any other appropriate mechanism.
- CV and artist statement.
- A budget which outlines number of days, materials, installation and other expenses.
Deadline for applications: 5pm on Monday 28th May 2012.
Applications by email only to [email protected]
For further details please contact:
Tim Harris, Arts and Culture Consultant
[email protected]
tel: 0773-969-4641
www.timharrisconsultancy.co.uk