Tranquility Park Public Art Commission Open Call

Mullingar Municipal District of Westmeath County Council is offering a public art commission to reflect the enhancement of the town through the Church Street Renewal Development. The commission is being managed by the Arts Office in Westmeath County Council.

TRANQUILITY PARK SCULPTURE

Mullingar Municipal District has completed major enhancement and regeneration project in the town. The transformative redevelopment scheme, has revitalized the heart of Mullingar both aesthetically and in terms of accessibility, supporting the sustained and future growth of the town.

Artists are invited to submit their ideas for an imaginative sculptural art piece to be positioned in the Tranquility Park in Mullingar. The park is currently used for recreation and reflection. The River Brosna runs alongside the park on its journey through the midlands terrain. An existing sculpture (Game Piece) is located in the park. A seating area surrounding a lone tree is located in this park. The park is located in a very significant area of the town of Mullingar, both in terms of surrounding built heritage and deep historical importance.

The brief invites the applying artists to consider the following themes in expressing their interest in this commission:

• The rich historical and the present-day traditional music context of Mullingar and the wider County
• The unique historic and present-day relationship between Mullingar, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí na hÉireann and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
• Meaningful opportunities for Public Engagement within the process of project development and execution
• An engaging and ‘living’ artwork for all the citizens and visitors to Mullingar

The work of art commissioned will have the potential to engage with the town in a dynamic way. A figurative piece is preferred in its depiction of the themes suggested (or elements of these themes), and the urban setting for the piece.

SELECTION PROCESS

• An independent selection panel will adjudicate upon the submissions.
• The Selection Panel will recommend a proposal to Mullingar Municipal District for approval.
• Stage 1: (stage 2 - optional)At the discretion of the selection panel at stage 1, a short-listing process may take place to facilitate the submission of more advanced proposals.

CRITERIA STAGE 1- The selection panel will assess all submissions based on the response to the brief and a combination of the following criteria

1. Technical considerations:  safety and security considerations, and adherence to briefing guidelines  20%
2. Deliverability: Track record of the individual/team in this area and demonstration of a professional standard of arts practice 20%
3. Budget clarity & deliverability  20%
4. Originality of concept &  idea: illustrating empathy and visual understanding of the ‘story’ and themes (or theme) within the brief 40%

TIMESCALE

The intended timeframe for the competition is as follows:

Stage 1: submission deadline 4 pm, Thursday, 2 February 2023.

Stage 2: if stage 2 is required participants will be advised of submission deadline and criteria.

Location & SITE VISIT

The work of art will be located as indicated on attached map.

Site visit will be coordinated with Mullingar Municipal District via Arts Office miriam.mulrennan@westmeathcoco.ie

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• The commissioners will install an appropriate plinth and surround as required. 
• Any site restrictions (power, services, emergency exits) can be discussed at the site visit, and addressed accordingly.
• It is expected that proposals will be uniquely ‘of’ the town and take issues of form, scale, materials, siting and durability and maintenance into consideration.
• Sculpture specifications: Artists are requested to give consideration to the durability and maintenance of the proposed sculpture, and to articulate their consideration of the security aspects associated with the installation and the kinds of materials used.

BUDGET

• The budget for the commission inclusive of all artworks, artist’s fees, documentation costs, travel, materials, design, fabrication, ground-works, transport, machine-hire, insurance and launch, and all other costs associated with the creation, delivery and permanent installation of the artwork is €60,000.
• Artists tendering for the commission must submit a clearly laid out and detailed budget proposal covering all the aforementioned elements.
• Previous experience of delivering a commission on time, within budget should be submitted.

COMMISSIONING PROCESS

HOW TO APPLY

Artists should submit their applications via the eTenders platform.

STAGE 1

Artists should submit;

1.  Artist C.V. and Statement

2. Outline of Proposal (can include drawings, video, and photography).

3.  Budget detail and time scale for completion and siting of the artwork.

5. Examples of previous work on CD, DVD or slide. Give details of websites, face-book or any other published material.

CLOSING DATE

Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Late applications will not be accepted.

The closing date for receipt of submissions is

4pm, Thursday 2 February 2023

Further information is available here.

Applicants must include confirmation of delivery of piece to the indicated site, week July 10-15th 2023, with specifics to be finalised at contract stage (with Mullingar Municipal District) .

Awarding of contract is scheduled for late February.