Mearns Public Art Making Connections and Community Engagement
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Mearns Public Art Making Connections and Community Engagement Lead Artist Brief The Commission The Mearns Public Art Steering Group would like to commission an artist or craftsperson to create artworks which reflect the community’s ideas of, and stories about, the heritage of the Mearns area and to create visual links between Laurencekirk and its satellite villages. The artworks produced by this project are intended to encourage local residents to discover and explore the heritage of the area and raise awareness of the capacity of arts to do this. This commission is supported and funded by Aberdeenshire Council Public Art Scheme. The work delivered during this commission will need to adhere to the Public Art Guidance notes provided by Aberdeenshire Council. Background Mearns covers an area of about 40 sq miles with its centre approximately 30 miles south of Aberdeen. The area for this project is defined by the Mearns Academy catchment area which is situated in the town of Laurencekirk in the heart of the Howe o’ the Mearns. The area stretches from Drumtochty Forest in the north west to St Cyrus in the south east, with Edzell Woods and Arbuthnott marking the approximate north east and south west corners. (See Appendix 1 for map of the area). The area is divided by the A90 and the main line railway to Aberdeen. Laurencekirk Railway Station was reopened on 18 May 2009 at a cost of £3 million. There are many interesting personalities and trades with connections to the area. (See Appendix 2 for some examples) These were two key factors that have inspired the project. The artist will be supported by The Mearns Public Art Steering Group which includes representatives from: Mearns Area Partnership Mearns Youth Forum Laurencekirk Villages In Control Mearns Community Council Howe O’The Mearns Heritage Trust. Community Learning Staff – Aberdeenshire Council Arts Development – Aberdeenshire Council The steering group plans wider community consultation as part of this development via its existing community networks. Context & Vision By commissioning an experienced professional artist we aim to: 1 o Produce a creative engagement process with the community to provide residents with new opportunities to engage with and to appreciate the local surroundings. o The Mearns Public Art Project aims to bring together the community using the central element of a public art project that creates connections across the generational and geographical communities. o Initially looking at Laurencekirk station car park as a preferred site, a strong theme that has arisen through the group’s discussions is the historic trades and associated personalities of the area. (See appendix 1) It is planned to engage an artist or artists to make artworks that make connections between the Laurencekirk and the satellite villages in the Mearns area. This will encourage local residents to discover and explore the heritage of the area and raise awareness of the capacity of arts to do this. This will bring benefits to the local economy by strengthening the commitment of residents to their area and enhancing a sense of belonging and community cohesion through increased knowledge of, and curiosity about, the local communities. o Involve a range of local residents, businesses and community groups in the developmental and information gathering process to generate the artwork. Enabling all members of our distinct and separate communities to gain a sense of ownership and pride while supporting people to contribute toward the project. o Through the creation of the artworks we aim to introduce new and existing residents to the connections between Laurencekirk and the surrounding settlements and at the same time encourage people to explore the area, leading to economic, cultural and lifestyle benefits for all. o Encourage local residents to discover and explore the heritage of the area and raise awareness of the capacity of arts to do this Artist’s Role We are seeking an experienced artist to produce permanent and/or semi-permanent artworks that would provide a lasting legacy for the Mearns area. The artworks will enable the community members to engage with the history of the area and to develop the connections with the satellite villages. Initially looking at Laurencekirk station car park as a preferred site for a main piece, the project wishes to create 2d or 3d Artworks with the idea that this is reflected by other works in some of the satellite villages. It is anticipated that this Community Led Public Art Project will enable the community to enhance the Town as well as enabling the community to connect to the largest development Laurencekirk has had in many years, primarily focusing on the station at this stage. The project aims to enhance a sense of belonging and community cohesion through increased knowledge of and curiosity about the local communities and their stories. A strong theme that has arisen through the group’s discussions is the historic trades and associated personalities of the area. (See Appendix 1). These factors could be considered as a starting point for the development of the artworks, but it will be essential that the artist familiarise themselves with the Mearns Area, (see Appendix 2 – Map of the Mearns area) its route ways, as well as its history, heritage and culture. Information is available to help with this process but the artist should creatively engage with the MPASG and the communities to consult around ideas, to develop local support for the project and ensure our local community feels a sense of ownership in the created artwork. 2 The artist will develop concepts for how these themes may be delivered including details of materials, costings, etc. The artist will report to MPASG on a regular basis (to be agreed with MPASG). Guide Timescale Applicants will be expected to provide information about how they will approach the commission including showing key milestones and activities against a timeline which meets the needs of their proposal. However, an indicative timeline is as follows; August / September 2015 – Artist recruited. Working/supporting artist locally to develop concept including community interaction with artist. Artist will meet with steering group and local interest groups -steering group will provide guidance and background information (eg area profiles) to artist. September 2015 Concept Designs developed by artist to be approved by Steering Group. Sept to December 2015 –Development of detailed, costed technical designs, including information about the sustainability of the materials and maintenance plan. Planning application and approval (if required) – these normally take 4-6 weeks) Fabrication Feb 2016 Installation completed. Finance & Contractual A budget of £11,000 has been allocated to this commission. This sum is fixed and includes all artist’s fees, materials and expenses, including travel and accommodation, for research, consultation, collaboration, design, creation of artworks, installation, reports and presentations. A schedule of payment will be agreed on appointment linked to delivery of work. The artist is required to provide the project steering group with verbal, written and visual monthly updates at key stages of the project. The timetable for these will be agreed on appointment. Please note that if circumstances dictate PVG checks will be made. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to provide us with their PVG registration number. To create artworks, working closely with MPASG, the artist is responsible for the following: . Identify possible themes and connections between Laurencekirk in consultation with the Mearns community. This might include suggesting future art interventions. Identify opportunities to use the arts to involve local residents, groups and businesses in developing the programme . Production of the artworks, including production and design costs. Manage the fabrication & installation of artworks in conjunction with MPASG Aberdeenshire Council and wider land owners as appropriate and including permissions and planning consents as required. Work closely with MPASG to agree an installation timeline of artworks and be available during the installation process. Create maintenance costings and maintenance schedules for any permanent and temporary features created during the project. Consider Health and Safety issues related to the creation of artworks. 3 . On completion of the project the copyright for artwork produced will transfer to the Commissioner. However, the artist will always be acknowledged as the creator of the works. Application Procedure Please submit a current CV including details of 2 referees and covering letter stating how you engage with communities and how you might incorporate themes or connections through your artwork. Experience of public realm projects and strategic planning is essential. Proven track record within community regeneration or outreach as well as the ability to relate to different groups and people with varying skill levels and ages is also required. Artists should provide a draft outline work schedule to suit the timeframe of the commission, showing details of methodology and approach. Expected number of days working on the commission, should also be addressed including indicative product budget breakdown. An indication of availability and start date, as well as on-going commitments beyond July 2015 should be provided too. Visual documentation of previous work that is relevant to this commission is also to be submitted. Please note that, if submitting