Glenamaddy Community School , Co.

094 9659315

Visual Art Commission

Percent for Art Scheme

Information Brief

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The Board of Management of Glenamaddy Community School, Glenamaddy, Co.Galway wishes to commission a Permanent Outdoor Sculpture which is to be funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the “percent for art scheme”. There is no specific theme for this project however we would expect the artist’s submissions to be influenced by the location of the school and the history and location of Glenamaddy town.

BACKGROUND TO THIS PROJECT:

Brief History of Glenamaddy: Glenamaddy is a small town in north-east Galway, half way between and Castlerea. It is generally accepted that both translations ‘Valley of the Dogs’ and ‘Valley of the Black Plain’, bear some relation to the local turlough. The nearby Lough Lurgeen – a raised bog rich in flora and fauna, is a National Heritage area of international importance and is one of the hidden gems of .

The town itself began as a simple hamlet and from the 1820’s developed into a market town, spreading out from the meeting place of its famous ‘Four Roads’. Some areas of historical interest include the workhouse, the church and the town hall.

Glenamaddy Union workhouse was erected in 1853 on the Creggs Road. Designed by George Wilkinson, architect, the building was based on one of his standard plans to accommodate five hundred inmates.

The foundation stone of the church was laid on St. Patrick’s Day 1904. The church is neo- gothic with its graceful pointed arches. It has eight lancet windows and eight buttresses on each side. It has three gothic arched doors and nine pairs of lancet windows along the side aisles as well as a magnificent rose window located over the door. The most striking feature inside the church is the triple stained glass window behind the altar by the artist Harry Clarke.

The Town Hall opened its doors for the first time on an August Sunday in 1909. In its day, the Town Hall served as a courthouse, a school, and a cinema… to mention but a few. In 1992 the Arts and Historical Society, together with FAS, restored the building. Today, this

2 modern theatre is the home of our drama group, our musical society, the venue for our annual theatre festival and recently hosted its first civil marriage ceremony.

The drama tradition in Glenamaddy dates back to the turn of the last century, with many town lands having their own groups. In 1960, the Theatre Festival was launched and from humble beginnings, the Festival continues to grow from strength to strength.

Other places of archaeological interest include Cloch Dhiarmuid megalithic tomb at Ballinastack which dates from 3000BC, the mill at Leitra, many ring forts, a crannóg on Kiltullagh Lake and Mass rocks at Esker and Lisheenaheilte where masses were celebrated during Penal times.

Glenamaddy Community Centre opened in 1984. . On a daily basis, the centre is home to a Day Care Facility for senior citizens, as well as hosting a myriad of other activities. Both the 1993 and 2010 All Confined Drama Finals were held here.

Last but not least, pride of place for new architecture in Glenamaddy goes to the radiant Community School on the Road. Officially opened in October 2010, this building and all it entails will ensure that the legacy left by the both the Sisters of Mercy and the VEC will endure for decades to come.

History of Education in Glenamaddy: Like in many parts of Ireland second level education came late to Glenamaddy. Prior to 1959 children in North East Galway had to attend boarding school if they wished to go beyond National School. Many from this area would have gone to St Jarlath’s or the Mercy and Presentation Schools in Tuam.

Eventually in 1958 a group of local people petitioned the Archbishop of Tuam for a second- level school. He contacted the Sisters of Mercy and in 1959 four of them arrived in the village with little more than suitcases. They were given the Parochial House as their Convent and base and from it emerged Colaiste Seosaimh. With the arrival of free education there was rapid expansion. The Mercy Sisters were very progressive for their time. Not only did they open a co-educational school they appointed a lay Principal in 1972.

In the early years all the teachers were Sisters but gradually lay staff arrived including men and women. The school catered for a wide catchment area from and Clonberne to Williamstown, Creggs, and Glinsk. Over the years the number of Sisters declined with the fall in vocations while the number of lay teachers rose with the growing school population. The school developed a strong sporting and dramatic ethos.

In those days Secondary Schools were very academic so to complement Colaiste Seosaimh, Galway County VEC set up a Vocational School, St Benin’s in 1963. Here the focus was on the trades for boys and secretarial and home economics for the girls. As time passed it broadened its course from the original Group Cert to the full Leaving Cert.

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Finally in 2002 it was decided to amalgamate both schools into a comprehensive school offering a wide range of subjects and courses. Six years later, after much effort, a brand new school, Glenamaddy Community School, was opened on the former site of Colaiste Seosaimh. The new school caters for over 400 students and has a staff of 35. The school includes students from Glenamaddy, Lisheen, Ardeevin, Kilcroan, Williamstown, Glinsk, Creggs, Kilkerrin and Clonberne.

Our Mission Statement encapsulates what we strive to provide for our students:

“Glenamaddy Community School dedicates itself to providing a holistic education where the potential and uniqueness of each student is fostered and celebrated. With our Educational Partners we strive to create a caring environment of mutual respect, where each individual is cherished and nurtured to a personal, intellectual and moral maturity. We find our inspiration in the Christian message of faith, hope and love.”

DESCRIPTION OF THE DESIGN BRIEF:

The Board of Management of Glenamaddy Community School wishes to commission a Permanent Outdoor Sculpture which is to be funded by the Department of Education and Skills under “the percent for art scheme”.

The piece is to be sited outside the new school building on an area of 20 metres squared and should have permanency and a visual impact on Glenamaddy and the surrounding communities.

The selection panel are looking for designs that are original, innovative and thought provoking, in as much that the observer will recognise the significance of pupils past and present, and the history and location of Glenamaddy town.

Consideration must be given to the types of materials used with regard to public health and safety, the possibility of vandalism and degrade by natural elements. The sculpture must be robust, strong and safely constructed as well as being well secured to its base on the ground. It therefore should have no sharp edges or have pieces that could break off and cause damage. The project may be subject to Planning Permission.

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BUDGET / PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

The Percent for Art Scheme is providing €64,000 towards the project, €50,000 of this will be used for this commission. The School Percent Arts Scheme Committee wish to use €14,000 of the funding for a separate project.

The monies must include the following:

 The design and a description of the construction.  The cost of fabrication, including materials and production costs.  The delivery and installation on site including any ground works.  Lighting.  Insurance.  Any other hidden costs e.g. VAT and contingencies.

Timescale to be agreed with the chosen artist, however it is planned that the work will be under construction by April 2012 and completed as near to the end of October 2012 as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be paid a fee of €400 for a complete proposal submitted at Stage 2.

SELECTION IS A TWO STAGE SUBMISSION PROCESS

STAGE ONE:

 Curriculum Vitae  A typed one page proposal outlining ideas and concepts for the artwork and the materials to be used.  Illustrations or images for the purpose of communicating practical and artistic content. Including one drawing/visual showing the sculpture with the context of school grounds/setting.  A maximum of 6 images (hard copy preferred) of previous work relevant to the proposal.  Details of materials to be used and an estimated budget and time scale for completion.  A completed application form  A Stamped addressed envelope for return of proposals.  The commissioners shall not be liable for any costs or expenses in respect of successful or unsuccessful candidates except for the fee of €400 which will be paid to shortlisted candidates at Stage Two.

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STAGE TWO:

 Details of ground works and installation signed off by an engineer to ensure proposal is feasible and structurally sound.  Satisfactory evidence of safety and durability.  Detailed submission of materials to be used, scale, proportion and maintenance required (maintenance must be minimal).  Artists must provide a tax clearance certificate.  Evidence of appropriate insurance will need to be provided.  Detailed timescale breakdown and schedule for completion, and evidence to prove ability to deliver within budget and on time.  If the selection committee deem none of the applications suitable for the project it may be necessary to re-advertise.  Support and resources required.  Invoice for €400.  The School Percent Art Scheme will report all information to the Board of Management. The final decision will rest with the Board of Management of Glenamaddy Community School.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The selection committee will consist of representatives from the Board of Management, Ms Helena Cunniffe, Art teacher; Mr James Duignan, Principal; Mr. Niall Kelly, retired staff member; Ms Sarah Walsh, Administration; members of the L.C.A. Art Class and Independent Artist Frances Crowe. The Selection Committee will make a recommendation for approval to the Board of Management. The committee will also consult with the County Galway Arts Manager.

SCHEDULE

The deadline for Stage One submissions is the 10th of January 2012.

The deadline for Stage Two submissions is the 1st of March 2012.

SITE VISIT/QUERIES

Site visit is by appointment only with the Committee on the 8th and 9th of December 2011.

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APPLICATIONS WILL BE ASSESSED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

. Quality of proposal presented both on a stand-alone basis and with reference to other competing applicants and in relation to the brief. . Assessment of the likelihood that the commission will have a strong artistic statement. . Visual and spatial impact of the sculpture. . Understanding of the physical, social and cultural context of the work. . The feasibility of the commission. . Long term low maintenance costs.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

. A contract will be entered into with Glenamaddy Community School. . The successful applicant shall agree a payment schedule as part of the contract. . Payments shall be made in accordance with the schedule outlined in the contract upon receipt of invoices and successful completion of the work. . Artists must provide a tax clearance certificate. . Evidence of appropriate insurance shall be provided.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE CLEARLY ADDRESSED TO:

Ms Helena Cunniffe

Secretary of Per Cent for Art Scheme

Glenamaddy Community School

Glenamaddy

Co Galway

Phone No: 094 9659315

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Glenamaddy Community School

Public Art Commission

Application Form

NAME: ______TEL: ______

ADDRESS: ______FAX: ______

______EMAIL: ______

______WEBSITE: ______

DATE: ______

SIGNED: ______

I WISH TO APPLY FOR THIS SUBMISSION AND ENCLOSE THE FOLLOWING (PLEASE TICK):

TYPED PROPOSAL

ILLUSTRATIONS ETC. (PLEASE SPECIFY)

______

______

C.V.

BUDGET AND TIME-SCALE ESTIMATE

S.A.E. FOR RETURN OF PROPOSAL

N.B. PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE RETURNED IF A S.A.E. OF CORRECT SIZE AND POSTAGE IS NOT SUPPLIED.

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