STIRLING CITY COMMISSIONS

Applications Open for Lead Artists and Principal Lead

Stirling Council and Scene Stirling are collaborating to create a series of exciting and potentially interactive art installations in Stirling’s city centre which will enhance the resident and visitor experience of the city, by addressing some of the challenges of a busy and changing city centre.  The work supports the vision for Stirling’s thriving culture and arts scene, as well as contributing to Stirling Council’s commitment towards a Dementia Friendly City. 

To this end, on behalf of the collaboration, Scene Stirling is appointing a team of artists to develop a masterplan, create and install works of public art. Three experienced artists and a principal commissions lead (either one of the lead artists or independent applicant) are being sought to develop a long-term public art masterplan for Stirling, that aligns with the city's action plan, cultural aspirations as longlisted candidate for City of Culture 2025 and engages a range of stakeholders including but not restricted to: residents, businesses, the cultural sector and people living with dementia and their carers. The artists will then be commissioned to produce new public art for the project in conjunction with local up and coming artists, growing the skills and experience of Stirling’s creative communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring together a team of artists with experience of working in public spaces, as well as a strong commitment to inclusion and access and the ability and desire to share their knowledge and skills with local artists. We will create a team with a breadth of experience working in two and three dimensions.  This team will work closely with stakeholders to articulate a vision for Stirling, with art that creates meeting and talking points, supports wayfinding, enhances Stirling’s magnificent cultural and heritage assets, and reflects the identity and diversity of the city and its residents in way that engages all those who use its city centre.

What are we looking for?

THREE LEAD ARTISTS

·         An exciting and established creative practitioner, particularly experienced in relation to working in the built environment and public spaces, with skills, expertise, and experience in two and/or three-dimensional practice and an understanding of contemporary public arts practice and place-making principles.

·         An understanding of and evidence of interest in working collaboratively as part of a team.

·         An understanding of Stirling’s city centre and the challenges it faces.

·         A commitment to and experience of working inclusively and accessibly, to applying dementia inclusive principles and in engaging stakeholders throughout the commission process.

·         A practical experience in delivering high quality proposals and plans that are evidence-based, well planned and deliverable within budget and to timescales.

·         Ability to problem-solve and adapt, with a strong emphasis on user-led design and to ensure work meets the social and practical objectives as well as creative ones set in the brief.

·         Good communication and accountability in working practices.

·         Strong commitment to sustainable and ethical practices and use of sustainable and environmental materials and processes.

·         A willingness to share skills and practices with the local creative sector in Stirling and to work collaboratively with artists across a wide range of artforms and stages of career development.

 CITY COMMISSIONS PRINCIPAL LEAD

·         A demonstrable experience in leading and coordinating planning and delivery of sited and public artwork projects ensuring safe and sustainable commissioning.

·         The ability to work strategically and with a wide range of stakeholders in an inclusive and engaging way and to build consensus.

·         Strong and demonstrable project and budget management skills.

·         The ability to coordinate and prioritise the work of the team and resources available.

·         Maintain a focus on developing opportunities for local artists to build capacity and experience to take up current and future commission opportunities and to be a part of the legacy of the masterplan and the public art commissions that evolve from it.

·         The ability to manage difficult conversations and to negotiate effectively with partners and stakeholders.

·         Excellent communication and leadership skills and a strong sense of accountability and responsiveness.

·         A strong curatorial practice to create a cohesive masterplan that is inspiring, resource-effective and deliverable within budget and timeframe

COMMISSION BUDGET

The Total Committed Budget for the project is £111,500k, of which £15k is match from Creative Scotland and Stirling Council Culture.

£22,500 for THREE LEAD ARTISTS

Each of the three lead artists will be offered a £7,500 fee to contribute to the development of the masterplan, engaging with local stakeholders. Each artist should expect a minimum budget of £20k for their contribution to art and design in the masterplan. Artists with a connection to and understanding of Stirling and its creative sector will be encouraged to apply. The artists will be selected to offer diversity of techniques, ability, and experience with a relevant mix of complementary skills and artform expertise.

£4,000 CITY COMMISSIONS PRINCIPAL LEAD

Appointed with the team, the Principal Lead will form part of the core Scene Stirling creative team as well as take a lead role in developing the masterplan and delivering a collaborative approach to working for and with the City Commissions artist team. The key goal of this role is the creation of the masterplan with the artists, and appropriate engagement with the stakeholders throughout. They will offer professional development for local artists in public art and support development of involvement of local arts and cultural sector. The Lead will bring significant expertise of working in public spaces, in coordinating and curating outdoor artwork and will be a facilitator for the project and work closely with Scene Stirling coordinator and manager. This role could be standalone or could be in addition to a lead artist role and will be advertised and appointed at the same time as the Lead Artists roles.  An understanding of the challenges faced in city centres will be expected.

£85,000 PRODUCTION BUDGET (INCLUDING MINI-COMMISSIONS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS)

Some flexibility in the production budget means that local artists with less experience may be able to contribute to the City Commissions through sub-commissioning or mini commissions. An approach to this should be included in the Masterplan.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are via Scene Stirling, through an online submission process, with the opportunity to upload supporting documents.

Any queries about the application process and for further information please contact Kevin Harrison: hello@scenestirling.com

12pm on 25th October 2021: Closing date for Applications for Lead Artists and Principal Lead.

w/c 1st November: Interviews for shortlisted candidates

If you are a Stirling-based artist interested in the project and in potential opportunities around getting involved but not applying for the lead roles, please do join our mailing list and get in touch.

To download a pdf to preview the google application form please click - PDF read only application form

To access the Stirling Dementia Friendly City Audit please visit Our Connected Neighbourhoods