PASW Regional Newsletter: Autumn 2001
Regional Projects - A Memorial for the Merchant Navy - Bristol
When the Bristol Merchant Navy Association, who had been collecting donations over four years, arrived at the point of commissioning a memorial honouring all merchant seafarers who sailed from Bristol; contact with PASW, followed up by Bristol City Council, meant that they employed a Project Manager, to help with the process of selecting an Artist, and overseeing the project to completion.
The Association were initially reluctant to employ a Project Manager, feeling that they already knew what they wanted, and understandably wary about seeing a significant percentage of their hard won funds going to a paid post. The work of the Project Manager, however, together with the continued support of officers at Bristol City Council brought real benefits, even to a straightforward and reasonably traditional commission.
The Association eventually commissioned an Artist, David Backhouse, rather than a fabricator, whose dignified and serene design at Welsh Back includes seating which snakes around the surrounding trees. The Project Manager was able to broker between the Artist and the Association, help with technical issues such as maintenance, artists contracts, budgeting, planning permission and engineering issues, and keep the criteria of public art on the agenda.
The Memorial Committee, each of them volunteers; steered the work of the Project Manager, and took care of fundraising, day to day book-keeping, much of the publicity, and the task of organising the launch and dedication on May 21st, which included a Royal visit.
Since its unveiling, the Monument has received much praise, and is well used and visited.
With mutual respect and patience, there is much to be gained, even in conventional commissions from the voluntary and professional arts sector working together.
Diana Hatton, Project Manager BMNA Memorial