EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Public Art Commission:
Interpretative Aboriginal Art work
Leichhardt Municipal Council is seeking expressions of interest from skilled Aboriginal artists specialising in public art installation, interested in designing, fabricating and installing a significant public art feature at the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre located on Mary St, Lilyfield NSW.
Through the Community and Cultural Planning process, Council seeks to continue to develop a strong sense of place and belonging by investing in vibrant, dynamic and high profile artworks. This project will build on Council’s commitment to Aboriginal historical and cultural awareness including Reconciliation, by communicating a greater understanding of the unique place Indigenous Australians have in our community.
Council is seeking expressions of interest from a diverse range of practicing Aboriginal artists to submit a selection of relevant concept designs for a major public artwork that will be installed at the entrance of the Centre. From designs submitted, up to three artists will be short listed and invited to develop their concepts further for presentation to Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee.
A. SCOPE OF THE COMMISSION AND LOCATION
Leichhardt Council allocated s.94 funds for the construction of an Aboriginal artwork to be incorporated into the design of the upgraded Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) Stage One Development. The public artwork will be a will be a permanent installation located in a landscaped area directly in front of the major entry point into the complex.
The site fort he artwork sits between fenced pathways and adjacent to an established tree that is approx. 9 meters.
Leichhardt Council consulted with the community throughout 2004 and 2005 regarding the future development of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC). In 2005 Council adopted a master plan for the LPAC and resolved to proceed with the construction of the first stage of the works, considered to be the highest priority. The first stage works have been allocated a budget of $5.2million and are outlined below:
- Expansion of gymnasium and group fitness studios to provide much needed space for equipment, classes for different age groups and needs, and for stretching.
- New indoor program pool with stairs and accessible ramp to cater for a range of programs including hydrotherapy and classes for children. Family change rooms adjacent to the new indoor pool that will also service the existing program and play pools.
- Modifications to the main entry/reception area to improve access and functionality.
- New main ramp to pool level, as well as a lift from the gymnasium level, to improve access.
- Landscaping and redesign of the small northern car parking area to improve pedestrian access, safety and appearance.
- Modifications of the main car park to alleviate the traffic impact of the expanded facilities by sharing traffic on Glover, Mary and Maliyawul Streets and Lilyfield Road.
B. CONCEPTUAL BASIS FOR THE PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION FOR THE LEICHHARDT PARK AQUATIC CENTRE
Guidance from Commissioners
It is the commissioner's vision that the artist should be free to exercise their creative and artistic skills.
It is however, important that the work adequately reflect and incorporate concepts of:
- Aboriginal connection to country - Land, Water and Song lines
- Aboriginal History of the site and area - the Gadigal and Wangal people
NB – The work may also incorporate additional histories of the Leichhardt area, in addition to its Indigenous history as in keeping with Councils commitment to Indigenous Cultural Awareness
As the work will be positioned in public space it should
- engage with a broad audience and have the capacity to attract people's attention through reflection, evocation, amusement
In developing their concepts, artists should also take into consideration the following practical considerations.
- The artwork must be of a scale sufficient to have a visual impact;
- The work has the potential to include single or multiple elements;
- The use of innovative materials including environmentally sustainable and eco friendly material is encouraged where possible
- Materials used must be durable, robust, high quality, and vandal resistant
- The design must meet all relevant safety standards and avoid dangerous protrusions and sharp edges; and
- Require minimal ongoing maintenance ie be easily cleaned and graffiti resistant;
- Design submissions should identify long term maintenance requirements and costs.
Artist involvement
The project requires an artist to work in conjunction with Leichhardt Park Aquatic
Centre and the Leichhardt Council project management team, in order to develop an artistic feature that reflects the project's expectations.
The artist will work closely with the project team to determine the most appropriate method for incorporating the artwork into LPAC, and integrating the artwork into the overall aesthetic design of the site.
On completion, the artwork remains the property of Leichhardt Municipal Council.
C. COMMISSION BUDGET
- Part A: Design Fee (short listed artists - up to three @ $1000/each, $500 advanced and $500 upon receipt). Design and development including all documentation, scaled model and detailed cost of project as per the Public Art Brief: Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre - Stage One Development.
- Part B: Commissioning and installation of the project as per the Public Art Brief Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre - Stage One Development of - total $ 45,000.00
This will be the total commissioning project budget, following selection of the successful artist, exclusive of GST and will include all costs associated with the detailed design and installation of the artwork.
These include but are not limited to:
- Materials;
- Engineering;
- Fabrication;
- Site preparation and clean up;
- Transportation and installation;
- Artist’s fee, travel etc; and
- Public liability insurance ($20 million minimum)
Please note that the total available budget of $45,000 is the only allocation towards the fabrication and realisation of the project.
Note: Selected artis/designers design concepts and scale models submitted will be the property of Leichhardt Council
D. TIMEFRAME
The LPAC Aboriginal Public Art Commission has to be fully installed by 13 May 2010
The proposed schedule for the commission is as follows:
Task | Schedule date |
Expression of Interest opens | Friday, 20 November 2009 |
Close of Expression of Interest | Monday, 14 December 2009 |
Short Listing and Notification | 15-17 December 2009 |
Notification to short listed artists | Thursday 17 December 2009 |
Presentation of Concept design - selected artist to present to Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee | 20 January 2010 |
Successful artists notified | 22 January 2010 |
Internal Approvals | 25-29 January 2010 |
Planning Meeting | 3 February 2010 |
Design Development/ changes as/if required ( 2 weeks) | 17 February 2010 |
Produce and install work (12 weeks) | 18 February to 13 May 2020 |
Unveiling | Thursday, 27th May 2010 |
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submissions must include the following materials:
- A written outline of the applicant's concept, proposed materials, site strategy, and consultation methodology;
- Current curriculum vitae, no more than three (3) pages;
- Examples of previous work in an electronic format, no more than ten (10) examples of previous works;
- Names and contact details of two referees
F. QUERIES DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Expressions of interest must be received no later then 5pm, Monday 14 December 2009
All inquiries and expressions of interest should be directed to:
Craig Greene
Community Development Officer - Aboriginal Programs
Leichhardt Council
PO Box 45
LEICHHARDT NSW 2040
Telephone (02) 9367 9246
Fax (02) 9367 9030
Email craigg@lmc.nsw.gov.au
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