N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme Public Art Project Permanent Artwork with Engagement Stage 1: Briefing Document & Application Deadline: 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021. 1. Introduction This public art commission is funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as part of the N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme, which has recently reached substantial completion. The scheme is part of TIIs capital expenditure programme which is focussed on improving the safety and efficiency of the national road network. The scheme entailed the construction of approximately 5 km of Type 1 Single Carriageway, comprising part online reconstruction of existing carriageway and part off-line re-alignment of the N56 national secondary road between Mountcharles and Inver. The scheme has achieved a significant improvement on the pre-scheme arrangement along this legacy section of the N56 which was characterised by substandard features including a narrow cross-section with no hardstrips or verges, poor vertical and horizontal alignments and frequent access points. The completed scheme has improved safety and enhances the accessibility of south west Donegal in particular between Donegal Town and Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port. The scheme which is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is also a strategic tourism route providing access to a number of key locations in west Donegal including the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (with c.200,000 visitors per annum) and the Gleann Cholm Cille / Malin Beg Peninsula as well as Ardara, Glenties and Gweebarra. 2. Commission / Nature of the Work Although the theme of the artwork is not defined the commissioners have suggested that artists explore the following themes which may inform the artwork: The Scheme’s Strategic Importance; This road scheme is strategically important as a gateway on the Wild Atlantic Way corridor between Donegal Town and the Port of Killybegs, as well as important tourist / visitor destinations such as the Sliabh Liag Cliffs and the Gleann Cholm Cille / Malin Beg Peninsula. The rich history and heritage of Mountcharles and Inver and the surrounding areas, for example; The area has a particularly strong connection with natural stone and stone masonry and has a rich history in the supply of stone for building locally, nationally and internationally. The strong industrial, social and economic history and heritage of the area as evidenced through local buildings and sites including the former Inver Creamery Building (Reg No. 40909229) which was demolished to make way for the scheme, as well as the adjoining millrace which runs to the Former Corn Mill (Reg No. 40909201). The Inver Creamery Building was built in 1903 using local sandstone. The creamery was partially rebuilt c. 1921/1922 after it was damaged by British forces during the War of Independence. The creamery was sited adjacent to the upper section of the millrace which fed the Former Corn Mill located 250m to the west. The Corn Mill was built or extended c. 1860 and possibly containing the fabric of an earlier mill built c. 1810. These sites are evidence of the past industrial processes and represent an integral element of the industrial, social and economic history and heritage of the area. For further information artists should visit www.buildingsofireland.ie. The brief asks the artist/s to note the following: The artwork should be sculptural and permanent in nature. The constituent materials of the artwork will need to be of a robust nature and capable of withstanding the prevalent weather conditions which characterise the site’s exposed location. It should be relatively maintenance free. The commissioners would like for there to be some engagement with key stakeholders during the process, for example community groups, local schools and businesses in close proximity to the proposed art piece. The commissioners would like to consider suggestions from the artist on what form this engagement will take, but examples might include; o an artist talk or presentation; o a remote studio visit/tour; o a workshop which may or may not have an input into the creative process; o stakeholders attending or being involved in the official opening ceremony; or o another suitable suggestion from the artist. A commitment to Health and Safety policy is essential. The following information is appended to the end of this Stage 1 Brief to assist the artist: 1. Application Form 2. Site Location Map 3. Proposed Location for the Artwork 4. Further Information Relating to the N56 Road Scheme 3. Site Location The N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road Scheme is located 10 km west of Donegal Town, a site location map is attached (drawing ref. 0010-DS-101-001). The commissioners have tentatively selected a potential site along the scheme as being possibly suitable. This site is identified on the attached ‘Proposed Location for Artwork’ map (drawing ref. 0010-DS-101-002). Some photos of the proposed site are also included. Should the artist so wish, the commissioners will consider an alternative location for the artwork, however it must satisfy a number of conditions particularly in the context of road safety. 4. The Commissioning Process: The Commissioners will employ a Two-Stage Open Competition Process to select a suitable Artist(s) to deliver the Commission. It is open to all interested professional artists at any stage of their career or experience. Selection will be based on the information supplied and how that establishes the competence of the artists to carry out this commission. Stage 1 Artists are invited to express their interest in being considered for this project at the first stage of this commission. Interested artists are invited to submit the following to the Commissioners: A. Completed application form B. Curriculum Vitae C. A brief Artist’s Statement, including: An outline (1 page) of the initial ideas and concepts of the how the artist proposes to engage with the commission. Drawings may be included but are not a requirement. No designs or detailed proposals are required at Stage 1. Images / details of recent relevant works / projects. Nominated location for the art installation. D. A sample selection of recently completed Public Art Commissions. Stage 1 Selection Criteria Previous Works 50% Outline Concept 40% Suitability to this brief 10% Site Visit: There will be no formal site visit during Stage 1, however, should they wish to do so, all applicants are free to view the site when completing their Stage 1 application; any queries can be directed to Cian Friel, Donegal National Roads Office, T: 074 97 24500 E: [email protected]. Completion of the Stage 1 Application: Before returning application forms, artists should ensure that all sections have been completed and declaration has been signed. As a Covid-19 mitigation measure, to avoid repeated handling of mail, submissions will only be accepted on digital format. Artists wishing to apply must contact Cian Friel via email and express their interest before 4pm on Friday, June 11, 2021. Once an Artist submits an expression of interest they will be provided with an individual link to the Donegal County Council Sharefile where they can upload their submission. Completed Stage 1 Submissions must be uploaded to the Donegal County Council Sharefile by 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021. Please take note of the following: Hard copy submission by post, courier or other will not be accepted. All items / files submitted should clearly indicate the applicants name and contact details. Submissions by fax will not be accepted. Late submissions will not be accepted The closing date for receipt of Stage 1 completed application form together with supporting documentation and material is 4pm on Monday, June 14, 2021. Stage 2 From the completed Stage 1 applications; a shortlist of artists will be selected by panel jury. This panel, whose decision is final, has the right to clarify any issue which may arise in the course of selection. Those successfully selected for Stage 2 will be invited to submit a more detailed submission. This will involve the provision of a Visual Representation of the proposed Artwork, a Statement by the Artist outlining their Artistic Vision behind the work, a detailed Description of the proposed work including Materials to be used, Maintenance Schedule and a detailed Project Budget and programme. The Visual Representation may be in the form of drawings, a model or maquette, computer generated images or photographs. As part of the evaluation of Stage Two proposals, applicants may be invited to outline their proposals in the form of a presentation to the Selection Board. For Stage Two Submissions, the Commissioners will pay the Artist a premium of €500, upon delivery of their proposal by the date and time suggested. Stage 2 Selection Criteria Artistic Merit Quality and innovation of concept Integration of project into the Road Scheme and surroundings Relevance to the historical, geographical and cultural context of the region Demonstration of the ability to carry out the project Time-frame and delivery terms Value for money Clarity and practicality or the proposal Durability and implications for future maintenance Site Visit: A site visit may be arranged during the Stage 2 selection process. 5. Budget The total funding from TII for this Public Art Project is €60,000. The artist will be responsible for meeting all associated costs out of the total allocated budget, including but not limited to artist fees, materials, installation, and any other costs related to the artwork inclusive of VAT. If required, Donegal County Council will assist with preparatory groundworks and / or design and construction of any foundations or plinths that may be required. However, any costs associated with such work must be covered by the allocated project budget. 6. Selection Panel The Selection Panel will consist of a senior member of Donegal National Road Design Office, the Arts Officer for Donegal County Council, at least one elected member of the Donegal Municipal District and an independent professional artist; and will be chaired by a senior member of Donegal County Council.