We are looking for artists to create a gallery of new outdoor temporary public artworks throughout Gillingham High Street.
Gillingham POW! is a coronavirus (COVID-19) safe alternative cultural offering for Gillingham High Street.
This opportunity is open to professional artists. It would also suit a student, graduate or emerging artist at the beginning of their career.
The project will launch on 28 August 2021 and run until the end of October 2021.
What we're looking for
We're looking to award 7 micro commissions that highlight what makes Gillingham special to the people who live, work, study and visit there.
We're interested in artworks that respond to the themes of:
- local legends and heroes
- places
- stories
- historic happenings.
There are no specific design criteria for this commission. We encourage artists to create contemporary designs that are complementary to Gillingham High Street and the character of the area.
We are looking for temporary public art that:
- is innovative and creative, and demonstrates quality and excellence
- has scale and impact
- engages the community in Gillingham
- works in an outdoor, high-footfall environment
- is fully accessible
- is mindful of current and changing COVID-19 guidelines.
We have purposefully not been prescriptive. Your public art must be temporary.
Types of work
It can take different forms, such as:
- performance art
- 2D or 3D installations
- sound or light projects
- street art
- digital artworks.
Where permission is granted, existing infrastructure can be used such as:
- hoardings
- shop windows
- public spaces
- bus stops.
Eligibility
We will only accept proposals from individuals, organisations, or collaborations that:
- live, work or study in Medway or Kent
- carry public liability insurance up to £5 million
- can provide evidence from HMRC of employment or organisation status.
We will not consider proposals that have discriminatory themes or messages, as set out in the council’s Equality Policy.
Budget
The selected artists will receive up to £2,000 paid over 3 instalments.
This is to cover all costs including:
- design and development
- materials and equipment
- installation
- insurance
- any subsequent maintenance.
Locations
The artworks must be installed in public areas in Gillingham High Street.
Where a location is on or near a highway, Medway Council Highways Team must approve the location.
You must make it clear where your chosen location is on your application.
Installation
All installation techniques must be agreed by us or the owner of the building or land in question.
Considerations
Your proposal must take into account the following considerations:
- the work must be temporary and low maintenance
- the environment and location of the work
- the work must be accessible for a variety of audiences
- the work must be mindful of potentially changing COVID-19 guidelines
- potential weather damage and exposure to physical touch.
Management
We are working with MESS ROOM and Mark Barnes Design as lead artists on this project, with backing from our Events team. The lead artists will provide successful applicants with support during the process from design to installation and appearance to removal.
Further information
If you have any questions or need further information, please email Wendy Daws at MESS ROOM: wendy@messroom.org.uk.