Scarcroft Road / Bishopthorpe Road Junction, York:
Public art commission £7300

Artist Brief:
City of York Council is seeking to commission an artist to design and deliver permanent site specific art work/s to improve the visual appearance and public use of the grassed area at the junction of Scarcroft Rd / Bishopthorpe Rd, York.
The works will form a new landmark, reflecting the area and engendering a sense of place and pride locally.
The artist will work with local communities, engaging people in the design process to ensure the work is accessible and appropriate.

1st April 12.00pm: Deadline for expressions of interest
3rd April: shortlisting artists
20th April 3.30 – 5.30: On site consultation including shortlisted artists
18th May: Confirmation of contract
Oct 2009: Completion of work

If you would like to be considered for this commission please submit:
• Up to two A3 sheets showing examples of your previous work as relevant to this project.
A disc with up to 5 images of your previous work + 100 words briefly describing your work and how you would approach this commission. (The above information from short-listed artists will be shown to community groups for comments.)
• Two references or testimonials from previous work
• Your CV and artist’s statement.
To Emily Harvey, Arts and Culture, City of York Council, Mill House, North St, York YO1 6JD.
Email: Emily.Harvey@york.gov.uk or Kristina.Davey@york.gov.uk

Background information
Micklegate Ward Committee wishes to improve the appearance of the grassed area of land at the junction of Scarcroft Road and Bishopthorpe Road, adjacent to the perimeter of Bishopthorpe Road Car Park.
This is a prominent public space, with a high footfall, where people gather and meet. The final scheme will include consideration of seating, safety and maintenance and will be effective all year round both in daylight and after dark.
Local community groups will be involved in the initial selection of an artist to deliver these improvements.
A steering group including local councillors, CYC officers and community representatives will oversee the project.

The role of the artist
The artist will be committed to engaging local groups such as schools and residents associations through workshops and/or demonstrations, and be able to reflect this involvement within the production of their own work. A timetable of community contact time will be negotiated between the artist and the steering group.
The artist will be expected to work up designs and models for comment by the steering group and relevant CYC officers. The artist will work with the steering group to seek the relevant approvals and ensure the scheme is appropriate and deliverable. Evidence of current CRB clearance, public liability insurance and self-employed status will be required.
The artist will have access to their own work base, tools and equipment.

The fixed fee of £7300 includes
• Research and design of the scheme.
• All materials
• Attendance at agreed planning meetings, and liaison with project partners.
• Co-ordination and delivery of community activities relating to the design process.
• Fabrication and installation of work.
The artist will be contracted with the City of York Council through Arts Action York.

Plan of site:
Photographs of the site:




Additional information and constraints:
• The site is at the junction of Scarcroft Road and Bishopthorpe Road, adjacent to two busy roads.
• The site is just outside a conservation area.
• The space to used includes the two main green areas and seating indicated on the plan.
• Trees are valuable, particularly a mature lime tree, the root system of which is likely to spread over most of the open space there. Consultation with specific CYC departments will need to be undertaken before any ground works are planned.
• A pyracantha hedge will be planted along the wall running from the hairdressers round to the car park.
• There is electricity to the site.
• Water, mains cables, gas, signal cables run underneath the footpaths, which must remain in place.
• There are no height restrictions for the site, although the trees may well restrict the height of any installations. Final proposals must be agreed with CYC officers.
• The view of the road junction should not be impeded in any way.