Steventon Parish Council are looking for experienced artists to design and manufacture a range of unique and distinctive benches throughout our village. We are looking for an artist/crafts person who works in metal or wood to create and install 6 bespoke benches at distinctive locations throughout the village. Each bench should introduce an artistic visual element that give pleasure whilst being practical, durable and safe. They also need to be suitable for their unique locations, as well as being functional and practical for all members of the public to use and enjoy.

We are keen to encourage the art work/ decorative benches to reflect the rural nature and history of the village in a sensitive way. We are also looking for the benches to possible incorporate a common village theme or logo in each design. This logo is yet to be designed but will be shared with the artists as soon as possible.

There are three new developments within the village providing new public open spaces and amenities for Steventon parish. We would like to create unique vocal features that are usable for all members of the community and can link our public spaces together in a creative and engaging way.

We would welcome expressions of interest from artists and crafts people who could design and create the works under one contract. However, collaborations between artists and fabricators (for example printmakers with metal workers) are also encouraged. We are also looking for the artist/craftsperson to project manage the installation of these benches through a dedicated contractor of their choice. We will give preference to local artists, makers, manufacturers within the local area to encourage local creative industries and to reduce the carbon footprint off these artworks.

The Budget
Artists fees for this proposal stage will be up to £1,000 (depending on the artists method of design and community engagement). This will include fees for the artist’s time for planning, research, studio design time and community engagement work.

After the designs are approved. The remaining £14,000 budget will be allocated for the creation of the benches (including transport, installation and publicity, and depending on the designs proposed). This budget must cover all costs associated with creating (both time and materials for the work), community engagement, transport of work, installation of the artwork, interpretation, unveiling events, publicity etc

Artists’ Expression of Interest should include:
• At least 6 images / examples of your previous work
• Your Artist Statement detailing your inspiration and your work
• A CV with your full contact details and references of at least 2 previous commissioners of your work
• A short statement on why this project appeals to you
• Artists must have Public Liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance

Please send your expression of interest to steventonpublic.art@gmail.com by Thursday 24th June 2021