Threads of Life is a community arts project to create one or more stitched textile hangings for public display in North Leigh.
What are we looking for?
We hope that the resulting textile artwork will chronicle North Leigh parish life, encompassing the history of the buildings, celebrating the organisations, clubs, school, pubs and shop in the village as well as the historic monuments including the roman villa, parish church and the windmill and the beautiful natural features such as North Leigh Common.
We envisage the artist will run a series of workshops with residents to create material for either one or a series of hangings for public buildings in the village of North Leigh. The artist would then draw all the elements together into the finished work(s). The finished item(s) would reflect the entire parish and be involving residents across the villages.
The work(s) could potentially feature any/all forms of textile art – including embroidery, patchwork, hand-stitching and embellishments - brought together to create a beautiful representation of our community.
Aims
• To bring together new and long-standing residents of the parish.
• To create a stitched textile recording the history, nature and features of the parish.
• To achieve an inclusive experience for residents - bringing together residents of all abilities, ages and previous experience
• To offer a number of workshops for residents to take part in and share skills
• To create a documentary record of the project and the resources which have inspired the artwork.
When are we looking to do the work ?
Whilst we would like to deliver the project in 2025, the timescale depends to some degree on securing the required funding. We are eager to agree on an appropriate timescale with the successful artist.
What are we looking for in an artist?
• Professional textile artist
• Experienced in leading community workshops and projects
• Experienced in project development
• Be a great communicator
• Ideally living within 30 miles of North Leigh or have particular association or connection with the village
• Experienced in installation and presentation of artworks for public display
What is the budget ?
We are looking for an artist to help us to scope the project and assist in setting a realistic budget and detailed proposal. We expect the maximum funding available from the Parish Council would be £5,000. Should the proposals require additional funding the organising group will undertake any necessary fundraising activity.
Who is organising this?
We are a small group of residents who believe in the power of community and share a passion for the arts. We have come together specifically to bring this project to life. We are really excited about having the opportunity to work with a professional artist. The Parish Council is encouraging us to bring forward a proposal to bid for some Section 106 funding so we are looking for an artist to help us to realise our vision and create a more detailed proposal.
North Leigh parish lies approximately 3 miles north of Witney in Oxfordshire. It is made up of a series of smaller settlements that include East End, New Yatt and Wilcote alongside the main village of North Leigh itself. The total population of the parish is approximately 2100. There are a number of areas of historical interest and environmental significance. The village itself has absorbed a number of new developments in recent years. It has avoided becoming a ‘chocolate box’ Cotswold village with relatively few holiday homes and instead local families going back generations blended with newer families settling to work and bring up their children.
Selection process
Expressions of interest are invited by 1st February 2025. We will get in touch with the preferred artist(s) after the closing date to start to explore next steps.
Expressions of interest should include -
1. Description of your professional work including visual examples
2. Description of how you would approach the brief, how long should be allowed to deliver key elements, a preferred timescale and an estimated budget
3. Artists CV
Expressions of interest should be sent to Mari Mitchell - marimitchell54@gmail.com If you have questions please call on 07736 418752
Copyright position
Copyright of the work including any designs, models or drawings shall remain with the artist. The artist however will undertake not to make any copy of the work without prior written consent from North Leigh Parish Council. North Leigh Parish Council shall also be entitled to photograph the work and to include the photograph, or any designs, models or drawings, in any record, publication, exhibition, film, video or television broadcast, provided that these are not for commercial exploitation.
Ownership of work
Upon completion of the commissioned work and payment of the final instalment of the commission fee the work will pass into the ownership of North Leigh Parish Council. All designs, models and drawings will remain in the ownership of the artist, unless otherwise negotiated with North Leigh Parish Council.
Thank you for your interest
Expressions of interest should be sent to Mari Mitchell - marimitchell54@gmail.com If you have questions please call on 07736 418752