Trail Marker and Public Art Commission, Bedwellty Park, Tredegar
Deadline: October 27, 2012
Trail Marker and Public Art Commission
Bedwellty Park, Tredegar
Introduction
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council wish to work with an artist or craftsperson to create trail markers and a piece of Public Art to mark the start of the Homfray Trail. A key objective is to create a piece of public art that will encourage the community and visitors to Bedwellty Park to use and enjoy the trail, and to give them a better understanding of the cultural and industrial heritage through means of the artwork. The characteristics of the project must add value to the environment and encourage user to explore the area.
Background
Blaenau Gwent is one of 10 partners in the Atlanterra project which has been funded through the EU Interrreg programme. The aim of Altanterra is to maximise the potential of our mining and quarrying heritage including the iron industry and to find new ways to celebrate this heritage.
Bedwellty House and Park was the home of the local ironmaster before it was left to the town of Tredegar. It has recently undergone a £5.5m restoration and this artwork will mark the rejuvenation of the park. The artwork element of this project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Project
The Homfray Trail explores many sites that were developed through or influenced by the rise of Tredegar as an Iron making town. The trail takes in many important locations including, Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar Town Clock, Yard Level, Cefn Golau Cholera Cemetery, St George’s Church and Sirhowy Ironworks.
Samuel Homfray, was the Ironmaster responsible for the extension of Bedwellty House into an Ironmasters residence. He was the owner of the Tredegar Ironworks and came from the iron making dynasty that owned the Penydarren ironworks at Merthyr Tydfil.
The Art work should reflect this iron making past and act as a catalyst to further explore the town’s heritage. The artist/crafts person should bring forward their unique interpretation of this heritage. The commission is open to anyone working in any medium as long as the final artwork complies with the durability requirements of this brief. A set of complimentary trail markers will be required to guide walkers along the trail. It is envisaged that a minimum of 10 markers will be required. On completion, all copyright of the drawings and artworks will be in the ownership of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.
The Site
It is envisaged that the location for the artwork is the site of the former Ladies Shelter. The shelter has long been removed and now takes the form of a raised seating area with railings, overlooking the bandstand and park. Whilst this is the preferred location for the artwork, we would not want to restrict the creativity of the artist and will accept other locations within the park.
Materials
It is essential that materials used are durable as the artwork will form a permanent feature that can withstand daily contact from the public, climate and remain robust. Advised materials include sustainable products which have local historical significance including iron, coal, steel or stone. There are no limitations for materials used providing an agreement is made with the client.
Community involvement
In order to raise awareness and engage local people in the project, there should be an opportunity for local people to make a contribution. The artist will be expected to hold a consultation session and possible workshops with the public. This could allow for individuals and groups to engage in creative activity or present them with the opportunity to make an input into the design. It may also take the form of a short residency, studio visit or master class in the artists’ specific discipline.
Timescale
The deadline for project completion is March 2013; this is to include community liaisons, design, fabrication and installation however we will accept a delay in the installation due to inclement weather.
Posted: 12th October 2012
Expression of interest: 27th October 2012
Return of Quotations: Noon, 9th November 2012.
Evaluation: 9th November 2012
Presentations: 13th November 2012
Award of contract: 14th November 2012
Community Liaison: November 2012 – January 2013
Completion and installation: 31st March 2013
Budget
There is a maximum budget of £30,000 (exclusive of VAT if artists are VAT registered) to create and install the artwork and way markers and undertake the agreed community liaison. This must include all costs associated with the workshops and include travel and materials and artist fee, materials, consultations, design, fabrication and instillation. Payments will be staged.
Procedure
You will need to state an expression of interest to supply a quotation within the prescribed timescale. Your submission should contain a short portfolio of your work relative to this project. It is highly desirable that you should make a visit to the site to acquaint yourself with the setting. You submission should also include some early ideas, sketch designs or concepts of the artwork. If shortlisted, you will be asked along to interview to make a full presentation of design options. These interviews will be held at Bedwellty House Tredegar and you should keep this date free in your diary. There will be a laptop, projector and screen available for your use if required. The selection panel will be made up of The Tourism Officer, The Bedwellty Park Manager and The Youth Arts Co-ordinator. You will also be asked to state your preference for the delivery of community liaisons, whether they will be workshops, age groups to be targeted, etc.
The deadline for project completion is March 2013; this is to include community liaisons, design, fabrication and installation however we will accept a delay in the installation due to inclement weather.
Application
Your application can be made on line or can be sent as a hard copy and a CD. It should include
- Covering letter stating your interest in the project
- CV
- Images - It is preferable that images of your work are sent as a Powerpoint presentation rather than a series of files
- Design ideas – no more than 3
- Proposal for community liaisons detailing approach, target audience, timescales and experience
- Please also provide contact details for two referees - these will be contacted prior to the successful applicant's appointment.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment criteria:
- Design ideas (50%)
- Previous relevant experience (10%)
- Sustainability and durability of materials (10%)
- Skills and abilities (20%)
- Community liaison (10%)
The quotations will be evaluated on a 90% quality 10% costs basis.
If you require further information please contact Alyson Tippings on 01495 355937 or 07968 472812.
Apply on line at http://appwales.alito.co.uk/
or
Send applications to Alyson Tippings, Bedwellty House, Bedwellty Park, Morgan Street Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent NP22 3XN.
All expressions of interest should be received by 27th October 2012.
All applications should be received by Noon 9th November 2012.
If invited to attend an interview, please note that initial project ideas will need to be presented.