Council seeking art for Tranquility Park in Mullingar
The Westmeath Arts Office is accepting applications for a public art commission in Tranquility Park in Mullingar.
Artists are invited to submit their ideas for an imaginative sculptural art piece to be positioned in the park.
Pointing out that it is currently used for recreation and reflection, the arts office said the park is located in a significant area of the town, in terms of surrounding built heritage and deep historical importance.
An existing sculpture (Game Piece) is located in the park.
More information and submission details here - details copied below.
TRANQUILITY PARK SCULPTURE
Artists are invited to submit their ideas for an imaginative sculptural art piece to be positioned in the Tranquility Park in Mullingar.
The brief invites the applying artists to consider the following themes in expressing their interest in this commission:
The rich historical and the present-day traditional music context of Mullingar and the wider County
The unique historic and present-day relationship between Mullingar, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí na hÉireann and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Meaningful opportunities for Public Engagement within the process of project development and execution
An engaging and ‘living’ artwork for all the citizens and visitors to Mullingar
The work of art commissioned will have the potential to engage with the town in a dynamic way. A figurative piece is preferred in its depiction of the themes suggested (or elements of these themes), and the urban setting for the piece.
SELECTION PROCESS
An independent selection panel will adjudicate upon the submissions.
The Selection Panel will recommend a proposal to Mullingar Municipal District for approval.
Stage 1: (stage 2 - optional)At the discretion of the selection panel at stage 1, a short-listing process may take place to facilitate the submission of more advanced proposals.
CRITERIA STAGE 1- The selection panel will assess all submissions based on the response to the brief and a combination of the following criteria
Technical considerations: safety and security considerations, and adherence to briefing guidelines 20%
Deliverability: Track record of the individual/team in this area and demonstration of a professional standard of arts practice 20%
Budget clarity & deliverability 20%
Originality of concept & idea: illustrating empathy and visual understanding of the ‘story’ and themes (or theme) within the brief 40%
TIMESCALE
The intended timeframe for the competition is as follows:
Stage 1: submission deadline 4 pm, Thursday, 2 February 2023.
Stage 2: if stage 2 is required participants will be advised of submission deadline and criteria.
Location & SITE VISIT
The work of art will be located as indicated on this map.
Site visit will be coordinated with Mullingar Municipal District via Arts Office miriam.mulrennan@westmeathcoco.ie
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The commissioners will install an appropriate plinth and surround as required.
Any site restrictions (power, services, emergency exits) can be discussed at the site visit, and addressed accordingly.
It is expected that proposals will be uniquely ‘of’ the town and take issues of form, scale, materials, siting and durability and maintenance into consideration.
Sculpture specifications: Artists are requested to give consideration to the durability and maintenance of the proposed sculpture, and to articulate their consideration of the security aspects associated with the installation and the kinds of materials used.
BUDGET
The budget for the commission inclusive of all artworks, artist’s fees, documentation costs, travel, materials, design, fabrication, ground-works, transport, machine-hire, insurance and launch, and all other costs associated with the creation, delivery and permanent installation of the artwork is €60,000.
Artists tendering for the commission must submit a clearly laid out and detailed budget proposal covering all the aforementioned elements.
Previous experience of delivering a commission on time, within budget should be submitted.
COMMISSIONING PROCESS
HOW TO APPLY
Artists should submit their applications via the eTenders platform.
STAGE 1
Artists should submit;
1. Artist CV and statement
2. Outline of Proposal (can include drawings, video, and photography).
3. Budget detail and time scale for completion and siting of the artwork.
5. Examples of previous work on CD, DVD or slide. Give details of websites, face-book or any other published material.
CLOSING DATE
Emailed applications will not be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted.
The closing date for receipt of submissions is 4pm, Thursday 2 February 2023
Applicants must include confirmation of delivery of piece to the indicated site, week July 10-15 2023, with specifics to be finalised at contract stage (with Mullingar Municipal District) .
Awarding of contract is scheduled for late February.