Draft Artistic brief and public art plan May 2022
for Highcroft, Wallingford Public Square adjacent the SOHA Extra Care Home

Introduction
This is a residential development comprising 555 dwellings, a one - form entry primary school, associated landscaping and open space, and an Extra Care Home for South Oxfordshire Housing Association.
We have a S106 obligation to deliver a piece of Public Art in the formal gardens in front of the Extra Care Home.

Brief
We intend to commission an artistic and inspirational focal feature located in the green space in front of the care home facility, adding a distinctive focal feature to the landscaping plan.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from artists to lead on this project and develop proposal based on research of the local area to inform the work, using the artwork to add the sense of place and belonging. Themes that local people identified for any artwork to represent and celebrate include the natural history of the area or interesting stories and historical connections and the local characters of Wallingford.

The piece of artwork will be a key feature of the formal garden area in front of the 75 unit Extra Care Residential Apartment Block. We are flexible with the choice of material proposed, providing the cost of the artwork falls within the set budget, materials are durable, and maintenance requirements are minimal.

The formal theme of these gardens lends itself to be reflected in the artwork which is to be located at the centre of the cross square pattern, as identified by the arrow.

The point of reference for the design of the artwork is the Design Code Document for Land to the West of Wallingford, page 73 refers to it as a central village monument in an obelisk style. Also, page 91 shows it as a sundial feature, this document is attached for reference

The artwork is required to sit on a 2.0 x 2.0 metre fair faced concrete raised plinth, provided by the developer. An estimate of the final weight is required to finalize the footing requirement.

Should the artwork be higher than 2.0 metres you are required to engage with SODC for any appropriate approvals as necessary.

You will be required to working closely with St Edward Management Team, South Oxfordshire District Council Arts Officer, Wallingford Town Council and other local organisations to establish the appropriate design. You will also need to liaise with the Estates Management to establish the long-term management and maintenance requirements.

Budget
Proposed budget £80,000, to include:
- £5,000 for a Design & Research phase (with community inclusion etc), after which designs (and/or models) will be presented to the steering group for approval and risk assessment (with adequate insurances, construction certificates, installation plan and full budget).
- The remaining £55,000 for Materials & Fabrication, Transport to site, Installation costs and a Maintenance and Defects (6 months following installation)
- Developer costs of £20,000 for foundation/base, electric/water and supply if required.
- Additional funds can be allocated should the artist’s proposal include any integrated features.

Key dates
• Deadline for Expressions of Interest Friday 24th June 2022
• Selected Artist appointed 15th July 2022
• Design & Research phase August – September 2022
• Manufacturing/fabrication October – November 2022
• Installation (subject to build programme) December 2022

Please send your Artists’ Expression of Interest to steve.woodward@stjosephhomes.co.uk
by Friday 24th June 2022 and include the following:
• At least 6 images / examples of your previous work
• An Artist Statement detailing your inspiration for the project 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

Contact details provided for the full Design Code background to the project