The Central Govan Action Plan and Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative, wishes to appoint an inspirational and experienced lead artist. Deadline: Monday 1st March 2010.

The artist will:

- advise on the use of art in the public realm,

- identify individual projects within the overall regeneration scheme for Govan Cross,

- project manage or deliver the identified projects, and

- co-ordinate the linkage between these projects.

Context

Approx £120 million of public and private investment will be invested in Central Govan over the next ten years, as part of a co-ordinated effort to stem the decline of the area and bring transformation to this area of Glasgow.

Known as the Central Govan Action Plan (or CGAP), the idea is to turn around the fortunes of the area by investing in its streets, buildings, public and green space. The plan includes new residential developments; public realm improvements; restoration and reuse of historic buildings; the creation of new and improved business, commercial and community space, as well as improvements to landscaping and movement throughout the town centre.

Preserving and promoting Central Govan???s rich heritage, particularly its surviving listed buildings, is a key priority, so Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative forms a key part of the Central Govan Action Plan. Funded by Heritage Lottery and Glasgow City Council, this grant-giving programme focuses particularly on the restoration and preservation of key heritage features at Govan Cross, using the improvements to re-establish Central Govan???s unique character and to improve the town centre???s commercial prospects and quality of life.

The Project

Large scale public realm improvements will go on site at Govan Cross in March 2010 funded primarily by Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government???s Town Centre Regeneration Fund. A number of public art projects have already been identified through extensive community consultation and these need to be part of the overall development. It is envisaged that an artist will be commissioned to work with the local community to interpret Govan???s history and using this information design, commission and oversee the installation of the following;

1. Engraved stone paving, woven through the public realm improvements at Govan Cross;

2. A heritage time line, most likely in carved stone, for installation on a key pedestrian pathway; and

3. Banners on lighting stanchions at Govan Cross, promoting a Govan brand and theme.

Capital costs for the purchase and installation of materials have already been priced and funds secured for these projects. The key input required is the interpretation, community engagement and design.

In addition to the known projects, there are a number of other potential projects and ideas that require further development and that could be usefully linked to the work outlined above. Unless otherwise stated, costs are unknown and funds remain to be secured for these desired elements.

- Sculpture: There is a strong tradition of public sculpture in Govan and bronze sculpture seems a particularly popular preference amongst local people consulted. The lead artist would be required to consult and advise on the viability of a commissioning a new piece of sculpture for the public realm. An indicative amount of capital funding has been set aside for this work.

- Additionally, CGAP is aware of an unfinished work by local group Gal Gael and seek advice on the suitability of commissioning the completion of this piece and the eventual location.

- Direction and Information Signage ??? There is an intention to provide new signage to improve legibility and promote visitor attractions. This ideally would reflect a recognisable Govan theme or brand.

- Interpretation panels ???The intention is to install panels interpreting Govan???s history or depicting its character to improve the entrance way to Govan. This is felt to be a future project.

Steering Group

The lead artist would report to a small steering group made up of representatives from the following. Please note that representation is expected to include both agency officers and representatives of the Govan community:

• Central Govan Action Plan & Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative

• Culture and Sport Glasgow

• Glasgow City Council

They would also take due consideration of the document A Public Arts Framework for Greater Govan (2004)1. This document provides important background to the use of public art in Govan and has valuable insights into the aspirations of current developments.

Timeline

• We envisage the work being undertaken over an 8 month period

• We wish to commission in March 2010.

Fee
This is subject to negotiation and but would not be less than industry standards and would be appropriate to the knowledge and expertise required.

We are looking for:
An artist with a proven track record and who is able to work in a collaborative manner. Specifically, we wish to appoint someone with the following attributes

- A conceptual thinker;

- Knowledge of a wide range of issues around artists working in the public domain;

- Empathetic to the aims of the project

- Ideally some project management experience can be demonstrated;

- A team worker with an ability to engage, involve and inspire local residents

- An ability to work from your own initiative and take responsibility for the tasks in hand.

Contact:
Expressions of interest should be made as soon as possible or by Monday 1st March to

Jon Pope
Arts Development Officer
Culture and Sport Glasgow
Pavilion 1
Glasgow G51 3RX

jon.pope@csglasgow.org