Public Art Statement Piece for Wokingham

Public Art Statement Piece for Wokingham now is over!

Public Art Statement Piece for Wokingham: Public Art Statement Piece for Wokingham, recently organised by Arts4Wokingam, is looking for a professional artist of repute to create a significant, exciting landmark for Wokingham England, a statement piece enthusing the community and drawing in visitors from further afield.

Short description

Public Art Statement Piece for Wokingham is an international competition recently opened for entries and organised by Arts4Wokingam that is looking for a professional artist of repute to create a significant, exciting landmark for Wokingham England, a statement piece enthusing the community and drawing in visitors from further afield.

About the Wokingham:

Wokingham is an attractive former market town with a number of historic buildings. It is the main Town in the Borough, the character of which takes in many small towns, villages, and countryside, as well as incorporating the Thames Valley hi-tech corridor. There is a large variety of businesses in the Borough, and also many residents commute to neighbouring areas or into London.

What is required?

Arts4Wokingham is looking for an artist to create a major, permanent, free-standing artwork for Wokingham, located outside at the main entrance of a brand-new arts and leisure centre Carnival Hub, that will symbolise the newly regenerated Town and Borough and act as a significant and exciting landmark. This must enhance the experience of those visiting the area but should create a destination in its own right.

A4W is not tied to something representing the history or end use of the site and is particularly keen to consider contemporary designs.

For the installed artwork there is a budget of up to £200,000.

Submission requirements:

Submitted designs must be able to stimulate engagement with the community and will need to consider how the final work will relate to the surrounding buildings (materials, scale, form etc..), softer landscaping and people using the space. In particular, artists should consider how the final work serves to activate or enhance the public space.

Shortlisted artists must demonstrate how local research has produced a meaningful and relevant design. Whilst submitted designs should be relevant to Wokingham Borough and its people, culture and values, this does not imply a restriction to the historical and should be looking towards the future of the Borough.

The artist will need to demonstrate how they will consider reducing the carbon footprint of their proposed work. This can include the use of different materials, ethical sourcing, manufacturing and transport etc.

In consideration of lighting or the kinetics of a work, the artist may consider wind or solar energy if practicable.

Evaluation Criteria:

➜ Excitement and imagination - the wow factor
➜ Relevance to Wokingham and its community
➜ Overall cost including fabrication and installation
➜ A destination installation that observers can relate to

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 4th October 2021 and the finalist by 29th November 2021.

Who may enter?

Professional artists either established or a developing star to showcase their talents is eligibile.
The artist will need to demonstrate by their experience that they can manage the project from design, through to installation, pulling in all of the necessary expertise along the way.
The artist must be able to demonstrate a realistic project timetable (from design to delivery) and budget, illustrating that they have considered all of the possible constraints and risks associated with a project of this scale.

Prize:

Shortlisted contestants will receive £500.

For the installed artwork there is a budget of up to £200,000. This must be the total cost including fabrication and installation costs and VAT where relevant