introduction

We’re looking for an experienced public realm artist with a visual arts sculptural practice, and significant experience of working with communities to inspire compelling and impactful physical permanent sculptural artworks.

You will need to demonstrate a passion for working with diverse communities and a drive for meticulously researching and responding to local context, to create inspiring and unifying site specific artwork(s) for this prominent site at a key gateway to Bradford, West Yorkshire.

A commitment to environmentally sustainable practice in the delivery of public art and a strong interest in the natural environment are essential, as is the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop a sculptural artwork(s) which speak to a wide audience, both local residents and visitors to the city, with the capacity for the artwork(s) to be viewed by both pedestrians and car users. The ability to demonstrate experience of delivering similar projects to time and budget is essential. Knowledge of Bradford and its communities is desirable, but not essential.

We require the appointed artist to develop a vision for a series of public artworks for the site, a significant ‘feature’ piece to be accompanied by smaller accompanying ‘satellite’ artworks. We do however recognise the limitations of the budget and at a minimum seek to see the detailed design for the series of artworks developed within this fee, plus the fabrication and installation of the most significant ‘feature’ piece. Further fundraising may then be undertaken to deliver on the full vision for any smaller accompanying satellite artworks, in consultation with the artist, community and stakeholders as required.

application process

Deadline for applications: Monday 3rd June 2024, 10am.

Your application should be made by email to frances@beam.uk.net in PDF format, short video or audio file (max 5 minutes) to include the following.

• Please title your email ‘Eco Sculpture(s) Gateway Brief, The Leap, Bradford’

• Contact details: name, email, phone, web, social media accounts if applicable.

• A statement detailing:

  • Why you are interested in the commission;

  • Relevant knowledge and experience;

  • How you meet the criteria in section 4.2 Person Specification;

  • How you would approach this commission, in particular how you will ensure the process and outcomes will reflect the local community who are key beneficiaries of the project.

• Up to 6 relevant examples of your work including images and accompanying descriptive text. Please include weblinks where appropriate.

• X2 Referee contact details (References will only be sought for the selected artist before contracting stage)

• If in written format submissions should be 10MB or less. Maximum 8 sides of A4 and saved in PDF format.

• Completion of anonymous Equality and Diversity Monitoring form (optional) via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P63LHFD

• We will acknowledge receipt of all applications by email.

• We will hold two optional Zoom drop in sessions on Wednesday 15th May, 4-5pm and Thursday 16th May 1-2pm where applicants can join to ask any questions relating to this brief and the project. Please email frances@beam.uk.net to request a link for these sessions and state which session you’d like to attend.

• In addition The Leap is happy to arrange an optional onsite meeting for artists to view the site at a convenient time - please email frances@beam.uk.net in the first instance who will put you in touch directly to arrange this.