We are seeking an artist or craftsperson to create 10-15 carved boulders or marker posts to be installed in 3 locations within the village of East Hanney. These installations will serve both as functional wayfinding markers and preventing unwanted parking on the green areas, and as pieces of art that enhance the historical identity of the community.

The Historic village of East Hanney is a village about 3 miles north of Wantage set in the stunning rural Oxfordshire nestled between the Ridgeway and the Thames, with many listed buildings rare, chalk streams and home to endangered native flora and fauna.

Over the past few years, a number of new developments have been built and contributed to the district Council Public Art fund. We would like to utilize these funds to bring the old and new communities together and create decorative and celebratory features, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and history of the village.

We would like to work with an artist to design, create and install these markers/ boulders as well as engaging the community in the themes and inspirations for the details of each.

The aims of creating these features are to:

· create beautiful landmark and wayfinding features.

· enhance the historic heart of the village.

· use decorative features to preserve the green areas and verges from vehicle damage.

· Nurture the pride in and identity of the village.

The scope for materials could be wood, stone or metal, but should align with the aesthetic of each of the locations and durability and robustness requirements of the project.

Locations:

1. Village Green (5 to 6 boulders)

2. Church Green (4-5 boulders)

3. Side of the Post Office (3 or 4 leap frog style sculptures)

Scope of Features:

Each marker post should incorporate the following features:

1. Carved Elements: The posts should be intricately carved with designs and images related to one of the following themes:

- Natural History and the Letcombe Brook chalk stream

- local wildlife, Flora and Fauna

- History of the Village

2. Functionality: The marker posts should serve as both functional wayfinding elements and artistic installations. They should be sturdy and weather-resistant.

3. Optional Rubbing Plates: The posts could include brass rubbing plates. These plates could feature additional artistic elements related to the chosen theme and allow visitors to create rubbings as a tactile experience as part of a village trail.

4. QR Codes: Integration of QR codes on the posts is encouraged. These QR codes should link to digital content (e.g., linking to village websites, and historical information) related to the theme or location. The placement of QR codes should be unobtrusive but easily accessible for visitors.

Dimensions:

The specific dimensions of each marker post are open to artistic interpretation. However, they should be of a size and scale appropriate for outdoor installation and visibility, ranging from 1/2 meter high stone markers to highway standard posts.

Budget:

The budget for this project is flexible and will be determined based on the artist's proposal, but must not exceed £11,000 including community engagement, material costs, artists fees, delivery and installation. Artists are encouraged to provide a detailed budget estimate.

Our chosen artist will be commissioned for a design phase (that will include community engagement) and a second phase for making and installing the works.

Selection Process:

Artists interested in this project should submit a proposal that includes:

- Examples of your previous work.

- A concept for the marker posts, including the chosen theme.

- Details of materials to be used.

- A preliminary budget estimate.

- A timeline for completion.

The selection will be based on the creativity and feasibility of the proposal, the artist's experience, and their alignment with the village's vision for this project.

Submission Deadline: Interested artists should submit their proposals to clerk@easthanneyparishcouncil.org.uk by Monday 8th April 2024