The parish of Wootton (nr Abingdon) would like to commission a local artist to create a series of bespoke metal sculptures/ features and a bespoke bench for the village. We are seeking Expressions of Interest from artists and makers specialising in metal artwork who can create at least 3 large (or 5 smaller) bespoke features and a memorial bench at the village green. We would like our chosen artist to with the community to inform the design and celebrate the people and story of Wootton and reflect local themes such as
• agriculture
• deer and other wildlife
• horses
• history of haulage and steam
• poets from and about the village
• trees/woodland
• Wild Boar (Boars Hill)
We are keen to help the chosen artist make contacts with local groups including the local Women's Institute, History Society, Youth Group, the primary school and older people in the village.
Timescale
Submission Deadline Friday 30th July 2021
Research design September 2021
Community engagement/workshops etc September 2021
Select final design(s) October 2021
Parish council approval/ OCC Highways approval/ Planning permission (if required) October 2021
Fabrication (and school visits) November 2021-March 2022
Installation April 2022
Launch celebration April/May 2022
Budget
The budget for the work is £13, 000. This budget should cover all costs associated with the design process, local research and workshops, materials, fabrication, transport and installation.
We would like to commission our chosen artist in 2 phases: the first phase is for research, community engagement and design (for up to £1000) and the second phase (pending fully costed design proposals) for the creations, delivery of work/s, installation and unveiling of the works of art (for up to £12,000).
Expression of Interest should be submitted electronically to parish.clerk.woottonpc@gmail.com entitled “Expression of Interest for Artworks in Wootton” by 30th July 2021 and should include;
• Examples of at least 6 previous projects you have work on
• An artistic statement in response to the brief and your interest in the project
• An indication of your approach and ideas to this opportunity
• Ability to deliver this project within the indicated budget and timescale.
• The name and contact details of at least 2 references
• An indication that you have public liability insurance.