Open Call for Artist Proposals
Public Art Commission: Heath Road, Holmewood, Chesterfield

 

Commissioner: EMH Homes

Where: Heath Road, Holmewood, Chesterfield

Artform: Public realm artwork(s)

Project Background: Junction Arts are supporting EMH Homes to commission an exceptional artist who will design, deliver and install a new public realm artwork for a development of 19 dwellings. The development consists of a mix of apartments, semi-detached and detached properties.

 

Project Brief
An opportunity has arisen for a creative or team of creatives to produce a visually engaging and locally sympathetic public realm artwork in a new, small residential development in Holmewood. The new work will add a creative and positive aesthetic to the development after completion and will enable residents to develop a connection to their new home whilst being a point of interest and connection for the wider local community. The commissioner is interested in artwork that draws on the area’s strong mining heritage whilst avoiding clichés and overused mining equipment. The commissioner and Junction Arts would appreciate contemporary interpretations of mining heritage.

Artform
We invite artists of all backgrounds and practices to submit proposals, bearing in mind the artwork will need to be a permanent piece that is resilient to inclement weather and factor in the ability to withstand vandalism. Future maintenance and costs of maintenance must also be taken into account. Please see site layout for reference, artwork is envisioned to be best positioned in the area of open space, amongst the existing tree belt, to the frontage of the apartment block on the corner of Heath Road and Tibshelf Road. This enables it to fulfil its potential as public art, as it can be readily seen by not only the residents of the development, but also the wider community.

 

Budget
The total artist fee is £3000 (inclusive of all expenses, preparation, materials, travel, manufacture, installation and VAT).

Ownership
It shall be agreed that upon completion the public artwork, with final payment to the contracted artist, maintenance and ownership shall pass to the site management company. The commissioner would prefer an artwork that requires zero maintenance. Any maquettes, models, or preliminary drawings shall remain at all times the property of the artist.

Decommissioning
If no immediate plans are in place for decommissioning the final artwork, information regarding the build should be kept for reference by the new owner (see above). Therefore, the body, or organisation which has taken responsibility for the ownership/maintenance of the work, will be responsible for decommissioning. Where appropriate the local residents should be involved in deciding the fate of the artwork.

Copyright
Copyright remains with the selected artist. The commissioned artist will give permission to the commissioner to use images of the artwork for promotion and publicity purposes. Further details regarding copyright will be including in the final artist contract, supplied by EMH Homes.

Application Process and Deadlines
We welcome applications from artists of all backgrounds and shortlist applications blind, please take this into account when compiling your application as we will remove any personal or identifying information.

The creative(s) should submit a written proposal of no more than 3 sides of A4 showing your approach and ideas for how you would deliver the project to info@junctionarts.org.

Please keep CVs and contact details separate to you proposal.

Your proposal should include:

• An outline of relevant public artwork experience
• An outline of your time on this commission including any local community engagement, planning, design, delivery and installation
• A budget breakdown taking into account preparation, materials, build and installation including a contingency
• Up to 5 images of your previous work, website links will not be accepted
• CV(s) including two references
• Confirmation of Public Liability Insurance with a minimum value of £5million
• Confirmation of availability for interview on 1^st June 2023

CV and website links submitted without a written application will not be considered.

Deadline for applications Friday 19^th May 9am 2023

Shortlisting and interview process

• Successful applications shortlisted for interview will be notified by Friday 26^th May 2023
• Interviews to be held on Thursday 1^st June 2023
• Written feedback on applications will be available upon request

If called for interview you will be asked to deliver a 10-minute visual presentation about one public art project that best highlights your approach and experience for this commission.

Contracting and Design
The selected creative(s) will be contracted and managed directly by the commissioner, EMH Homes

For more information on the project brief, please contact Jemma Burton at Junction Arts: jemma@junctionarts.org / 01246 209219