Artist Commissioning for Sky Works Canopy Installation Space (UK)

Public artworks are often contentious and can cause controversy both on the street and on social media. The commissioned work will support culture-led regeneration in Longton Town, Stoke on Trent and will work with existing community groups to create it.

The Artist will design a canopy installation that meets the physical parameters of the installation space, with particular attention to light weight, weather resistant materials and bright, colourful, bold visual impact. It will be sympathetic to local aesthetics, values and cultures.

The artworks will be created by the Artist and include crafted elements that can be made with their team of Community Makers who meet on Wednesdays. They are looking for an Artist who has participatory art experience and enjoys working with learning and physically disabled adults.

Urban Wilderness CIC will support the Artist by ordering and storing materials, facilitating the creative makers group and undertaking the installation process, including risk assessments.

They will invite all eligible applicants who are under-represented in the public arts sector to interview. This includes but is not limited to artists who are: d/Deaf or disabled; Black or brown, working class, under 25, identify as women, LGBTQ+

What they offer?

• £2,000 artist fee (approx £200 a day) to include participatory workshops, planning and making time
• Mentor support to co-create the installation design, work with communities and on-site health and safety
• Press release and professional photography

Who can apply?

• They welcome proposals from artists who work in all types of materials. Materials used will need to be suitable for an overhead installation
• They seek applications from artists who can evidence previous relevant works or have an established practice that relates to this commission.
• This opportunity is open to undergraduate students
• Applicants must be over 18
• You must demonstrate an existing arts practice in a discipline recognised by Arts Council England.
• You do not have to be resident in Stoke on Trent but you must be able to travel to Longton for a minimum of 4 days work and travel costs will not be covered
• They will invite all eligible applicants who are under-represented in the public arts sector to interview. This includes but is not limited to artists who are: d/Deaf or disabled; Black or brown, working class, under 25, identify as women, LGBTQ+
• Please include your ‘Access Rider’ or ways that they can support you to attend interview in your application. All interviews will provide the opportunity to discuss your access needs and ways that they can work together to make this commission a positive experience for both Artist and commissioner.

For more information, visit Urban Wilderness CIC.