Youth Arts Practitioner/ visual artist/ sculptor to run knife crime awareness project

Submitted by Abigail Brown on November 30, 2021 - 14:17
Salary / Fee: 
£2000 + making and touring work
Closing Date: 
Monday, 17 January, 2022

We are seeking expressions of interest from artists to creatively engage young people in the making of a work of art which highlights the effects of knife crime in the Thames Valley area, and the risks for those who become involved.
We would like to hear from artists working with 3D visual art (woodwork, metal work and other materials) who can use raw materials to create a work of art.

We would like young people to be involved with the design/creation process of the physical work of art and we would also like the finished work of art to tour youth groups and educational establishments to promote awareness of knife crime. We are looking for an artist with experience of working with young people to explore issues during the making process. We would like to run up to ten workshops involving at least six youth organisations across both districts to inspire the design of the work. We then wish to see the finished work tour at least 15 venues, including schools and public spaces.
The main aims of this project are:
• To raise awareness of serious youth violence
• To prevent young people from carrying knives
• To engage in creative dialogue with young people and those affected by knife crime
• To use the art project as an educational tool to increase awareness and understanding
• To work in a positive way to engage young people (given any COVID restrictions at the time of the project)

We would like to commission our chosen artist in 2 phases: the first phase is for research and design through community engagement (for up to £2,000). This work will take place from February until April 2022.

The second phase (pending fully costed design proposals) is for creation and fabrication, delivery of works, installation of the works of art (for up to £8,000). (from May 2022)

The third phase of the project will be touring the artwork to schools and community groups with an associated education package. Funding will be applied for and made available to develop education resources, transport the artwork and facilitate the workshops.

Expression of interest should be submitted electronically arts@southandvale.gov.uk entitled ‘Expression of Interest in Art Works for Knife Crime Amnesty’ by 12noon on Monday 17th January 2021 and should include:
• Examples of relevant previous projects you have worked on with young people
• An artistic statement in response to the brief with your ideas and approach in creating the project
• An indication of your approach to working with young people in crime prevention
• A statement of your experience or knowledge of knife crime
• Ability to deliver this project within the indicated budget and timescales
• The name and contact details of a previous commissioner
• Current DBS and public liability insurance
We are particularly keen to receive applications diverse range of artists and strongly encourage applications from people from BAME backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Contact Details: 
Multi Artform
Crafts and Applied Arts
Visual Arts
Commissions - practising artist
Community Arts
Education (young people and schools)
Young People