Temporary Public Art Work for Portobello, Edinburgh, Scotland

“Big Things On The Beach” wish to commission an ambitious temporary Public Art Work for Portobello’s beachfront in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Work should aspire to stimulate the imagination of everyone that uses the beachfront area, attract new visitors to Portobello and reinforce a sense of community from a local perspective. The commission will build on the success of the temporary Public Art Work from 2004 and 2005.

Portobello has a vibrant and active community of 15,000 households. The beachfront is a prominent area and integral to Portobello’s identity within Edinburgh. The commission should aim to heighten the profile of Portobello.

The Portobello Public Art Commissioning Group, as part of “Big Things On The Beach”, is a diverse group of 14 Portobello residents. Caroline Muirhead is the Public Arts Development worker and is responsible for co-ordinating the commissioning group.

The Commission is open to artists working in any media. Accessibility and environmental impact will be a consideration when selecting proposals. The commission is for a 1-mile stretch of beachfront and can be exhibited for a period of a day to 6 months. The maintenance of the Work, legal responsibilities, community interaction and documentation will be discussed with short listed artists.

Three artists will be short listed and given £250 to research and produce proposals for interview.

Schedule:
20.02.07 Artists shortlisted
20.03.07 Shortlisted Artists Developed Proposals
27.03.07 Artists’ Interviews
04.04.07 Artist Engaged
10.04.07 Artist Walk & Talk Site Visit With Commissioning Group
23.06.07 Temporary Public Art Work Unveiling

Further details: If you are interested in this opportunity please send a CV including 2 referees, artist’s statement, 6 images of previous work and a covering letter outlining your interest and approach to this commission to: Caroline Muirhead, “Big Things On The Beach”, c/o Portobello Community Centre, 3 Adelphi Grove, Portobello, Scotland EH15 1AD; www.bigthingsonthebeach.org.uk.

Deadline: 9 February 2007