We are seeking Expressions of Interest from Artists to propose a scale of project that will beautify the school entrance as well as fit in with the school ethos and desire to include the local community.

As part of Great Western Park’s public art plan Aureus Primary School was identified as a location that could host art in the facade and/or surrounding of the building.

At the heart this project is our desire for our chosen artist/s to work closely with pupils of the school to create bespoke features and celebrate the key themes of the school.

We would like this project to inspire the work are science, local history, including local history of STEM as well as creating a sense of awe and wonder through art.

The school was named after the golden coins discovered close to the school nicknamed the ‘Didcot Hoard’ and could also provide inspiration for a theme of the work.

At Aureus Primary school there are four potential areas to explore to host a work of art:

1. Wall based work on the main elevation (front wall)
2. A stand alone feature on the nature mound at the front of the school playground
3. Integrated features in the fence
4. Integrated features in the paving at the main entrance to the school.

We are seeking artists to express an interest on working with us on any of these projects. We will be applying for funding for the preferred project, so our budget is flexible at this stage, although to provide fairness and transparency we are considering applications for work of an approximate value of £15,000-£25,000.

Timescale
Deadline for EOI 27th January 2023
Selection will take place in February 2023
Project will start in September 2023
This is a request for an Expression of Interest in the project and will be advertised locally and nationally for interested artists.
Our chosen artist will have
· Experience of working on art projects within the public realm
· Experience of working across a broad range of art forms and materials
· Experience of working with primary aged children
· Be inspired by our key themes of history, nature and new technologies
· Public liability and professional indemnity insurance of at least £5m
· Experience of public art projects
· Proven track record of working with children and appropriate DBS checks
·
Your Expression of interest in the project should include;
· Examples of at least 4 previous projects you have work on
· An artistic statement in response to the brief, your interest in the project what aspect particularly appeals to you
· The name and contact details of a previous commissioner
· An indication of your flexibility and ability to involve the school staff and pupils
· An indication of your ability to deliver this project within the designated budget with an estimated timescale of your work.

Please submit your Expression of Interest by noon on Friday 27th January 2023 to info@aureusprimaryschool.org