River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme - Public Art Commission
Deadline: April 10, 2014, 9:00 am
The Highland Council, Inverness City Arts (ICArts), are seeking UK or international artists working singly or together in any media to apply for a series public art commissions to enhance the River Ness. The River Ness requires practical flood alleviation works which provide a unique opportunity for public art to connect with the river and the city. ICArts are keen to deliver public artwork(s) of the highest quality, which, whilst interpreting the river’s ecology, biodiversity and cultural history also reflect a modern city’s aspirations towards innovative and transformative regeneration. Innovative and contemporary proposals are encouraged.
The River Ness is the environmental heart of the City of Inverness and artists are invited to respond to the site by creating a sympathetic but stimulating environment through the creation of artworks which will link river and city, encouraging residents and tourists alike to appreciate the river but also creating a cultural impact which will reflect the importance of Inverness as the capital of the Highlands.
The commissions are:
The Gathering Place - shall be a structure to bring people together to a special place sited to provide a focal point and an overview of the River Ness. From here people will be able to experience the full scale of the river and the ancient landscape in which it sits in ways that explore the diverse and complex relations between its communities, the city and the landscape. The Gathering Place shall be ambitious and innovative in responding to, understanding and interpreting the context.
The total budget for the commission is £300,000. This amount is inclusive of the artist’s fee, limited design competition fees, materials, technical and engineering fees, fabrication costs, site works, foundation and installation costs, insurance, consents and all other costs.
The Sculptural Destination - the creation of an iconic and interactive artwork, sited to provide a ‘destination’ which shall encourage people to explore the length of the river and to contribute to the regeneration of an underused or underdeveloped area. It should be visible from some distance away but without revealing all its complexity until the viewer has made the journey to get closer.
The total budget for the commission is £60,000. This amount is inclusive of the artist’s fee, limited design competition fees, materials, technical and engineering fees, fabrication costs, site works, foundation and installation costs, insurance, consents and all other costs.
Rest Spaces - the creation of approximately five areas that could accommodate individuals or small groups who might informally gather along the river’s edge to relax and linger to enjoy the river. There are a number of key locations around the river that potentially lend themselves to being rest spaces.
The total budget for the commission is £40,000. This amount is inclusive of the artist’s fee, limited design competition fees, materials, technical and engineering fees, fabrication costs, site works, foundation and installation costs, insurance, consents and all other costs.
Interested artists should in the first instance submit an expression of interest via the Public Contracts Scotland - references for each commission can be found in the download below. Artists should register an interest in each of the Projects they are interested in. For full details on this opportunity and how to submit please register your interest and download the Tender documents attached to the Contract Notices.