Inspiring Views: Last minute artist opportunity

Although this is not a Hastings opportunity, the area is filled with talented artists and this might appeal to you. Discovering, revealing and interpreting views of the Surrey Hills: Surrey Hills Arts (a partnership between Surrey Arts, SCC and Surrey Hills AONB) are commissioning artworks incorporating seating at five points along the Greensand Way in Surrey. The artworks are to highlight viewpoints, respond to these through their design and provide a reason to visit, pause and appreciate each specific location. Deadline 24 November 2015.

Through the Inspiring Views project, Surrey Hills Arts anticipate: opening up new and historic viewpoints, attracting new visitors to walk the Greensand Way to the artworks, improving access on some of the sites for less able visitors, allowing regular visitors to see the landscape in a new way, promoting the Surrey Hills as an innovative place, sharing knowledge and responses to those specific places and inspiring local artists and residents through linked activities

The Brief

Surrey Hills Arts will select five artist/craftspeople to design an artwork for one of the selected locations and relating to the views. The five suggested locations along the Greensand Way are: Gibbet Hill, Hindhead, Hambledon Common, Hascombe Hill, Reynards Hill and Holmbury Hill

The artworks will include seating, demonstrate high quality, consider the local environment in the materials used, and celebrate the unique identities of the different sites. Surrey Hills Arts are open to ideas and suggestions regarding the nature of the works such as viewing platforms, benches that frame a view, more than one structure, incorporating different art forms etc.

The artworks should be relevant to the cultural and environmental context of the area, thought provoking and educational, constructed in natural, locally sourced materials where possible and durable, requiring minimal maintenance, safe and not constitute a hazard to public or the environment and environmentally sustainable.

The Role of the Artist/Craftsperson

Each artist will be responsible for the concept, design, fabrication and installation of the artwork in consultation with Surrey Hills Arts and the landowner. Each artist will work within a budget of £8,000 – £10,000. Linked talks and community workshops will have an additional fee.

The Surrey Hills Arts Programme Manager will oversee the project delivery and support the appointed artists. The artist will provide drawings and specifications necessary for achieving any relevant planning permissions or meeting any special requirements.

The artist will take part in the press and marketing opportunities relating to the commission and assist in documenting the process. It is essential that the artist participates in talks, and/or community workshops as part of the project delivery. The artist will undergo a DBS check where required. The artist will be expected to provide regular updates on the progress of the project to Surrey Hills Arts and attend meetings as required. The artist will be required to provide a maintenance plan to the commissioner to preserve the life of the finished artwork/seating.

Please note that any costs for travel and accommodation incurred by the artist are included in the overall commissioning fee. Studio space may be available at some sites. The project will be documented through photography and film throughout the process.

Gibbet Hill

Community Participation

This can take the form of walks, talks, workshops or demonstrations. It can involve local groups of all ages and abilities including local artists. The community participation programme for each project will be developed with the Programme Manager and artist, and respond to local need.

Timetable

24 November 2015 Dec – Jan 2016

Feb March – May June – August October 2016

Application and Selection

Application is open to artists from London and the South East including Hampshire and Berkshire.

To apply, artists/craftspeople must send:

1. Current CV with two references
2. Up to five images of relevant work
3. Expression of interest including initial ideas or ways of working

A panel consisting of the Surrey Hills Arts Programme Manager, Director of Surrey Hills, the Sponsor, Waverley Arts Officer and Craft Study Centre Director will select the five artists. The panel are looking for a high level of craftsmanship, originality of ideas, sympathy with the environment and a willingness to engage with local people.

The deadline for application is: 24th November 2015.

Submissions can be posted to:
Ali Clarke, Programme Manager, Surrey Hills Arts, Warren Barns, Headley Lane, Mickleham, RH5 6DG or emailed to sa.visual@surreycc.gov.uk

For further information, email sa.visual@surreycc.gov.uk or call 07968 834657.