Artist call-out for new Holbeach Road mural
Holbeach Road public artwork commission
Background information
The Council has begun its programme of works to regenerate Catford Town Centre. This has included recent improvements to the pedestrianised section of Holbeach Road. The route was enhanced to provide a high quality community space which is greener, safer and more welcoming. The improvements were finished in summer 2022 and include new paving, improved lighting, seating, a sculpture and tree planting.
Holbeach Road mural commission: The Retreat
We want to further improve the experience of walking along Holbeach Road and are seeking to commission a mural for the north facing wall of 120 Rushey Green (SE6 4HQ). We are looking for an artist to complete a public artwork to celebrate the new public space and the local community.
120 Rushey Green is owned by Lewisham Council and we are pleased to offer the site for this commission. It is an exceptional opportunity to bring joy and pride to the people that live and work in Catford but also to engage a large number of visitors that pass through the space - to visit the town centre, en route to the train station or to Holbeach School. Holbeach Road started out as a place of tranquillity. Historic maps show the entire street, running from Rushey Green to Doggett Road, was named ‘The Retreat’. However by the 1950s, the street had assumed its current name and maps from the time show it was lined with new buildings.
The mural is an opportunity to celebrate the idea of the space as a ‘Retreat’, a place of calm for the residents and visitors of Catford to enjoy.
Area for mural within red boxes (A and B) on photo.
- The surface is a rendered wall.
- Painting area A is approximately 4 meters high x 14 meters wide.
- Painting area B is approximately 3 meters high x 3 meters wide.
- Overall height is approx. 7 meters from pavement.
- Height from the pavement to bottom of mural is approx. 3.5 meters at area A.
Budget
The total budget allocation is up to £10,000 (+VAT if applicable). This is the total available budget and should include all costs relating to the design, development, & installation of the work, including the hire of chosen equipment required for working at height.
The £10,000 includes the £600 design proposal fee below.
Expression of Interest Stage (deadline Thursday 30 March 11.59pm)
Expression of interest (EOI) submissions should include:
- Examples of previous mural work and site information.
- Examples of project management skills and on-time completion of previous works.
- Narrative of the reasoning why you would like to take on this commission.
Shortlisted Artists Proposal (£600 fee)
Selected shortlisted artists will be asked to submit the following in return for the proposal fee:
- A written outline of the concept and ideas to support the proposal.
- A written outline of installation methods and feasibility.
- Final design communicated by supporting drawings/ full colour images.
- Timeline of installation.
- A detailed breakdown of how the budget will be allocated, including: Artists fees; materials and any preparatory works needed; installation including any equipment hire; contingency.
The successful artist will need to submit current public liability insurance, health and safety documents and any licences needed (i.e. MEWP licence).
Timescale
- 2 March 2023: Expression of interest advertised
- 30 March 2023: Deadline for Expression of interest
- April 2023: Shortlisted artists invited to create proposal
- May 2023: Deadline for shortlisted artists proposals
- May 2023: Successful artist notified
- June/ July 2023: Time frame for painting/installation of work
If you have any questions please contact cultural.development@lewisham.gov.uk using email subject: The Retreat Mural.
Please send expressions of interest to cultural.development@lewisham.gov.uk by Thursday 30 March 2023 (11.59pm) using email subject: EOI The Retreat Mural.
Include:
- Examples of previous mural work and site information.
- Examples of project management skills and on-time completion of work.
- Narrative detailing why you would like to take on this commission.