Per Cent for Art Commission for Watergrasshill National School, Cork.
The Board of Management of Watergrasshill N.S., Co. Cork invites proposals for commission of an original artwork to be funded under the Per Cent for Art Scheme in connection with the building of the new extension to the existing school premises.
Commission Value: €28,000
Context
Watergrasshill National School is a mixed primary school. It is under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Cork & Ross. The school has a student population of 290 with 16 teachers and 2 Special needs assistants. The school motto is “Mól an Óige is tiocfaidh siad”. The school mission statement is “to strive to make Watergrasshill National School a place of education and development, where each child is cherished and encouraged to reach his/her full potential”.
The new extension to the existing school premises is due for completion in early April 2015 after which the school will have 12 classrooms and a special education unit.
The development of Watergrasshill N.S. reflects the changing dynamics of this local community. A number of new estates along with stand alone houses have been built in and around the village. These developments have led to an increase in the school going population, with many of the families new to the area. The estimated population of Watergrasshill Village is circa 3k.
Brief
We wish to commission an artist to make an artwork that will be appreciated and enjoyed by our pupils and which will be relevant to the local area and include a local history content. Artists should take into consideration the school ethos, its environment and the school’s place in the history, heritage and community of Watergrasshill Village.
The commissioners expect the artwork to engage the children from 4-12 years in a meaningful way. While the involvement of the pupils and teachers in the process of creating the artwork is not a pre-requisite, artists may make proposals outlining ways in which the school community might participate in the commission.
A potential site has been chosen in which the artwork might be located. This is located at the new entrance to the school which is predominately glass. Artists should note that alternative sites will only be considered subject to consultation with school and the project architects.
The commissioned artist will be experienced in delivering complete projects in a fit-out/ construction environment and will demonstrate their ability to facilitate high quality outcomes working with a specific brief within a deadline.
The selection of the winning design will be through a selection panel comprising members of the Board of Management, teachers, parents and arts professionals.
We will consider all applications that meet the specifics of the design brief and qualifying conditions for the project.
The artwork must be made of durable materials and in its completed form must not present any risk to the health and safety of children and staff.
The budget for design, supply and installation will be €28,000 inclusive of all costs, expenses, VAT, insurance and other charges.
Aims of the Commission
To commission original artwork that celebrates Watergrasshill National School’s vibrancy, distinctive sense of place and ethos and which meaningfully engages children from 4-12 years.
To enhance the school environment for pupils, staff parents and visitors.
To work collaboratively and enthusiastically with the selected artist.
To be inclusive of the whole school community.
Site Visits/Queries
Site visits may be scheduled strictly by appointment the week beginning
24th November until Friday 29th November 2014
Please contact the Secretary
Noreen O’Callaghan to make an appointment on 00.353. 21-4889163.
Queries can also be made by email to office@watergrasshillns.ie
Selection Process
Selection will be via single stage open competition. The Board of Management reserves the right not to offer a commission through this process should none of the proposals received be deemed to meet the requirements of the commission brief. The Board of Management also reserves the right to shortlist a number of artists for further development, in which case a fee of €500 to cover artist expenses will be payable.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed using the following criteria
* Artistic Concept.
* Suitability. i.e. the extent to which the proposal meets the criteria set out in the competition brief, its relevance to the school, the site and setting.
* Pricing and compliance with the project budget.
* Compliance with pre-qualification criteria.
Schedule
Date of Advertisement for Competition 3rd November 2014
Closing Date 15th December 2014
Commission Awarded week beginning 20th December 2014
Project Completion date to be agreed with artist
For further information, including a site map, photos and plans of the school building please visit the News Section of the School's website. Click here. http://www.watergrasshillns.ie/
Applicants must submit the following information
* A typed one page proposal outlining ideas and concepts for the artwork
* Outline drawings/montages of proposed artwork for the purpose of communicating scale, artistic content and location
* A maximum of 10 Digital images on CD documenting previously commissioned works
* A completed application form
* Up to date professional CV, including names of at least two referees in relation to previously commissioned work
* Budget for supply and installation.
* Detailed installation plan.
* Time scale for completion
* Compliance with qualifying conditions.
The Successful Applicant
* A contract will be entered into between the artist and the Board of Management of Watergrasshill NS, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork.
* The successful applicant shall agree a payment schedule as part of the contract.
* Payments shall be made in accordance with the schedule outlined in the contract upon receipt of invoices and successful completion of the work.
* Artists must provide a tax clearance certificate and/or artist exemption certificate.
* Evidence of appropriate insurance shall be provided prior to award of contract
* A reasonable completion date will be agreed
