Drogheda Civic Trust has been successful in its application to take part in the Building Peace through the Arts Programme. The Trust is now calling for expressions of interest for a new public artwork, from experienced and suitably qualified artist(s), or design teams. The total budget available for the artwork is €57,000/(£45,000 sterling Euro Equivalent) including VAT.
The Commissions Steering Group invites Expression Of Interest applications from artists/groups of collaborating artists/design teams, from which a suitably selected and qualified panel (Commission Steering Group) can shortlist artists to work up detailed design proposals. To date, a Facilitating Artist has been employed, to engage with the local community and prepare a report, which has resulted in the Artist’s Brief.
The deadline for receipt of Expressions Of Interest will be strictly 5pm on 5th December 2014 . Late submissions will not be accepted.
The project seeks to develop a legacy artwork reflecting the" Building Peace through the Arts – Re-Imaging Communities Programme" whose themes are community cohesion, regeneration through the arts, positive relations at the local level, peace and reconciliation, connecting communities.
Local Arts Consultation and Research carried out to date;
As a first phase of the project the commissions group developed a local steering group to help manage the process. Artist, Nandi Jola, was recruited to carry out creative community consultation with a wide range of stakeholders in the community. Nandi consulted with over 18 different groups as well as holding a ‘drop in’ public consultation day at a local Shopping Centre . The project was extensively advertised on Social Media and in the local Newspapers.
Nandi presented a report containing her findings to the steering group including possible themes and potential site locations for the proposed artwork.
The preferred location for the public art is at or on St Dominics Pedestrian Bridge in the heart of Drogheda.
Nandi's report is available for consultation if required.
Theme : The Far Side
The steering group agreed that ‘The Far Side ’ as the theme most open to artistic interpretation. This Theme relates to duality and contrast. The River Boyne runs through the centre of Drogheda. Over the years it has divided people. Historically Drogheda was composed of two towns one North and one South. The Bridge also divides people through its association with the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and even today residents of either side refer to their neighbours from the opposite bank of the Boyne as being from ‘the far side’ A phrase that is quintessentially from Drogheda and is the source of much humour. ( However not to be confused with The Far Side Cartoon strip)
Through the public consultation process other divisions became clear. There were Generational differences as to what the work of art should express. In addition Drogheda has a vibrant new community from worldwide locations it also has a resident local population.
Expectations and experiences were different.
The challenge is to interpret the phase ‘ The far side’ in the context of the above . What we would hope is that The ‘Far side’ unites people .
Stage 2
Stage 2 will depend on the Project Steering Group shortlisting a maximum of 3 artists/design teams, who will then be invited to work up detailed design proposals, for presentation, to the selection panel. A fee of £500 will be paid to the shortlisted artists/design teams, who will be notified by the week commencing 8th December . 2nd stage proposals, including models, if supplied, will be presented, by artists, in person, to the Steering Group, on 7th January 2015. The successful artist(s) / design team will be notified during the following week.
The provision of a major piece of artwork is an exciting challenge given Drogheda’s rich history, heritage and current population. The project will be based on the interpretation of the Artists brief which was drawn up through close community engagement..
The full brief can be downloaded here.
All queries and for a copy of Nandi Jola's art consultation report contact
Michael O’Dowd;
Email: modowd@mail.com
Telephone: +353 872245532
Submission requirements for Stage 1 are detailed in Brief.
Submissions are to be sent, by hard copy, to:
Michael O’Dowd
Drogheda Civic Trust
78 Chord Road
Drogheda
Co Louth.
Applications must be submitted no later than 5pm on 5th December 2014
