G37n COMMISSION: HIGH STREETS (ROAMING) G37n are seeking to commission an artist(s) to deliver a public art project in Erdington Town Centre. This is one of a programme of seven large-scale commissions to be delivered in and around north Birmingham January - June 2021.These commissions will launch our upcoming three-year GALLERY37 NORTH (G37n) arts residency programme for young people.
COMMISSION DETAILS: REMASTERING MOTHERS We are inviting an experienced artist to create a sculpture celebrating the music and legacy of Erdington’s “Mothers” music venue during the 1960's-70's. The statue must be: ● A celebration of music from “Mothers” legacy ● A focal point for Erdington High Street which encourages interactivity ● Made of suitable durable materials, low maintenance, permanent
The final work must be the result of public engagement work and should instill a sense of civic pride in “Mothers” and its Erdington roots. The partnership team will work alongside the successful artist to produce and realise their ideas. The project will be jointly managed and produced by ERDINGTON ARTS FORUM and PUNCH, and launched at a public event led by the FORUM. “Mothers”, which closed its doors on 3 January 1971, was run by John 'Spud' Taylor and promoter Phil Myatt, More than 400 acts performed there, including Fleetwood Mac, Traffic, Roy Harper, Jethro Tull, T- Rex, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Canned Heat. The Who performed their rock opera Tommy there. Live recordings made at the venue feature on Pink Floyd’s Ummagumma (1969), and Soft Machine’s Third. (1970) Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford namechecks “Mothers” on his solo album Resurrection (2000) Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothers_(music_venue)
ARTISTS’ DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY £2.5k of the overall budget must be allocated to the development of an early-career, Birmingham-based artist to learn what it takes to create something of this scale. The successful applicant must therefore be willing to spend time working with the emerging talent through a pass-it-on system of learning and development.
BUDGET ARTISTS’ ● £20k SCULPTURE COMMISSION FEE: RESOURCES ● Materials, administration, travel, and planning permission will be covered by the AND COSTS: project partners
THE COMMISSION MILESTONES APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER, 12PM INTERVIEWS 16/17 NOVEMBER 2020 ARTIST(S) APPOINTED 1st DECEMBER 2020 PUBLIC LAUNCH (WORKS TO BE COMPLETED) JUNE 2021 END OF COMMISSION JULY 2021
ABOUT THE COMMISSIONERS GALLERY37 NORTH GALLERY37 is a creative residency programme where young people can rediscover themselves as artists. G37n is based on a model developed in Chicago and rooted in the communities of north west Birmingham. G37n builds to performance and exhibitions through three phases: GET READY, GET CREATIVE and GET GOING. To launch G37n we are working with a range of local partners to commission artworks across the public realm - high streets, shopping centres, waterways and parks.
OTHER PARTNERS ● ERDINGTON ARTS FORUM is coordinated by the charity Active Arts Castle Vale and brings together local artists, residents, community groups, third sector organisations and businesses to design and deliver activity that increases access to the arts in the local area. ● ERDINGTON TOWN CITY PARTNERSHIP (BID) administers the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), and oversees events and promotional activities in the High Street area. The BID is also active in looking to secure external funding for town centre improvements. ● PUNCH commissions emerging artists, produces new work and develops diverse audiences. They are a lead partner in a range of programmes that develop the creative talents of young people from diverse communities and marginalised backgrounds. PUNCH successfully delivered GALLERY 37 programmes in 2018 and 2016. (wearepunch.co.uk)
wearepunch.co.uk | [email protected] | @punchrecords 104 The Zellig Custard Factory Gibb Street. Birmingham B9 4AT | 0121 224 7444
● SAATHI HOUSE was established in 1977 in response to the issues of new arrivals into the Ladywood neighbourhoods; Aston, Lozells and Perry Barr. Saathi House is one of the longest-standing charitable organisations in the area; delivering arts and crafts activities, self care and parenting workshops and a civic leadership programme for women. (saathihouse.org)
HOW TO APPLY 1. Send a response to this brief, detailing how you would approach the commission, in not more than three sides of A4, or a video of less than three minutes. 2. Please also include your creative CV and images of previous work 3. Email proposal to [email protected]. A budget breakdown and timeline will be required.
We are interested in artists with experience of working in the public realm, and/or collaborative community-based projects. A track record of delivering high-quality public art is essential. Artist collectives and locally-resident artists are encouraged to apply. We actively encourage applications from artists of diverse backgrounds with different skills, perspectives and stories. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates reflecting a broad range of experiences across age, class, disability, gender, race and sexual orientation. Contact [email protected] for further information on any aspect of this brief.
wearepunch.co.uk | [email protected] | @punchrecords 104 The Zellig Custard Factory Gibb Street. Birmingham B9 4AT | 0121 224 7444