Worcester City Council are looking to commission artists to create bespoke artworks inspired by key aspects of the 400-year history of Worcester, creating a legacy from their year of celebration. The aim is to engage residents and visitors in Worcester’s exciting history creating a sense of pride and wonder.
Culture and the arts have played a huge role during lockdown. As we emerge from Covid-19 it is important that we continue to support the arts to play their role in the city’s recovery by creating work that engages and encourages people to return to the city centre and support the economy.
The artwork must be ready no later than Saturday 2 October 2021. It is anticipated that it will be located in the Guildhall for the Charter Day celebration, but this is not essential as the location may vary depending on the format or size. The artworks can take any form, for example a painting, a sculpture, a performance piece, literature or digital. The duration the artworks will be on display will again depend on the format or size.
For an informal conversation, please contact Michelle Newell on Tourism@worcester.gov.uk.
The submission deadline for responses to the commission is 9am on Monday 19 April 2021
Our priority is to commission inspiring artwork. This may consist of one commission (this could include a number of pieces from one artist) or 4 commissions at £1250 each. There is a total budget of £5000 to include all artist costs and materials.
Your application should include:
- A proposal of no more than 500 words outlining your response to the brief. If your proposal is for a painting, sculpture etc please also include an initial sketch / design and state whether it is for indoor or outdoor display. The Council will decide where the artwork will be located but if you have strong views on this, please include details within the proposal stating permissions required / achieved
- The commission fee, which includes a breakdown of how you would use the budget awarded
- A summary of your creative practice with links to previous projects that will support your proposal (no more than 1 page of A4)
- Contact details, including where you are based
Please note: we welcome video applications of up to approximately 10 minutes in length.
Submissions will be viewed by a panel consisting of a selection of members from the Charter 400 Working Group which includes representatives from the Worcester Heritage Partnership, City Council Tourism and Events Team, Museums Worcestershire, Archive and Archaeology Service and The Civic Society. If any members of the working group submit a proposal they will not be involved in the selection panel. Submissions will be scored against the following criteria:
- Quality of ideas and inventiveness
- Context and connection
- Engagement with the community through the creative process
- Budget feasibility
For more info : www.visitworcester.co.uk/charter-400/artist-brief/