Public Art at the Weighbridge

Introduction

Sculptors and other artists with experience of working in the public domain are invited to submit EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST in taking part in a limited competition for the creation of a work of art in a new public open space at the waterfront of St Helier.

Background

The historic waterfront of St Helier is undergoing rapid and dynamic change. With a masterplan for the area in an advanced state of preparation, a number of construction projects are already under way: a new hotel, commercial and appartment buildings are nearing completion, extensive road and landscaping projects are planned and many existing buildings rejuvenated. At the heart of this area, dominated by the town citadel, Fort Regent, and addressing both the town and the waterfront, is the Weighbridge site, once a floral roundabout, then a bus station, and now being replanned as a small 21st century landscaped park. Funds have been set aside for the creation of a work of public art on this site, and the artist chosen would be expected to work closely with the design team and other stakeholders in the project.

Public art in Jersey

Through the agency of the Jersey Public Sculpture Trust, Jersey has established a strong reputation for commissioning public works of art. On the waterfront area itself there are several popular examples of public sculpture, some of which celebrate specific events,such as the Millennium or the island's liberation from German occupation in May 1945.The States of Jersey, in its planning guidelines, encourages developers, public and private, to incorporate works of art in their schemes.

Expressions of Interest

Preliminary written expressions of interest should contain:

i) the artist's CV

ii) visual examples of recent work.

iii) a short statement of intent.

These should be marked EXPRESSIONS/WEIGHBRIDGE ARTWORK and sent before 15 October 2006 to:

RD Banks FRSA

chairman Jersey Public Sculpture Trust

20 Grosvenor Street

St Helier

Jersey JE2 4QR

The next step

Once expressions of interest have been received and assessed, a short list of artists will be invited to submit more detailed presentations.

Attachments
The proposals for the landscaping of the Weighbridge Site are an initial design only and are subject to planning approval and the advice of the Minsiter's design supremo (Hopkins Architects Ltd).
Associated drawings and plans