Artist brief for Dovecote Gallery

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1 Artist brief for Dovecote Gallery Expressions of Interest Thread of Life Al Johnson Folly Anne Eggebert & Sarah Cole Sadia Ur-Rehman

2 Call for Expressions of Interest Artist brief for The Dovecote Gallery at Valentines Mansion Deadline for receipt of proposals: 15 January 2010 Dates for Exhibitions (May and September 2010) Contents 1. Summary 2. Background information and context 3. Aims of the scheme 1. Summary We are inviting expressions of interest from artists for a new exhibition programme being established at the recently opened Dovecote Gallery at Valentines Mansion. Valentines Mansion is a Grade II* listed building, situated within parkland near Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex. Originally built in the 1690s, the Mansion was a private residence until the early 1900s. With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the London Borough of Redbridge, the Mansion has been restored, along with its historic gardens, and was recently opened to the public. The Dovecote (a small out building in the grounds of the Mansion) has been developed into an exhibition space to support emerging artists. The mansion has attracted in excess of 25,000 visitors in its first 6 months of opening to the public. Facilities also include The Garden Café and a Pay & Display Car Park. The Mansion and grounds provide an inspiring setting and opportunity for artists to develop and display artwork that responds to the architecture, history and setting. The London Borough of Redbridge intends to support and host 5-6 exhibitions each year. We are offering free exhibition space and marketing support to suitable artists. 2. Background information and context Valentines Mansion is located in a beautiful parkland setting, near Gants Hill, Essex, in the London Borough of Redbridge. The Mansion is more than 300 years old and was built in around 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson and her family, after the death of her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury. At that time the new brick house stood in open countryside, several miles from the edge of London. Valentines has changed hands many times since then. City merchant and banker Robert Surman bought the estate in 1720s and created the walled gardens, dovecote and grottoes. In the 1760s owner Sir Charles Raymond spent part of his fortune renovating Valentines, giving the house its Georgian appearance.

3 Sarah Ingleby, the last private resident of Valentines, died in 1906 and the Council acquired the house in Since then, the mansion has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department. After standing empty for 15 years, Valentines has now been restored with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds, and strong community support to create the historic but contemporary venue it is today. 2. Aims of the scheme Overarching aim: To provide an innovative and stimulating artistic interpretation of the Mansion s architecture/history/grounds, encouraging and inspiring visitors to see and experience the Mansion from a different perspective. Specific aims: Establish the Dovecote Gallery as a new and unique venue for high quality visual arts in Redbridge and the Thames Gateway region. Artists to develop innovative concepts for interpreting the Mansion and grounds. Artists to develop contemporary and innovative work which reflects the history and future aspirations of the local community as well as propagating art which reflects the diversity of the community. Bring the best and most exciting artists into Redbridge. Support and promote the best emerging talent from Redbridge. Generate interest in and raise the profile of the Dovecote and the Mansion through its arts programming both locally and regionally. Forge creative partnerships between artists of different art-forms at different stages in their careers. Make unfamiliar art- accessible to new audiences Increase participation in the arts across the Redbridge. Empower local communities to play a part in the creation of great art. Capture and preserve best practise by encouraging an exchange of skills and developing the skills of emerging artists. Artists and designers are invited to respond to the whole site, or a part of it (and its associated architecture and history) to fulfil the aims of the scheme. Collaborations will be welcomed. We are especially keen to hear from artists working with film, audio and light. 3. Requirements The artists/designers appointed will work in partnership with the Dovecote Gallery Team to deliver the aims of the scheme. The artist should be aware that the building is listed. The artwork should co-exist with any building signage. The artwork should co-exist with the functioning of the main building and delivery of its services The artwork should be sustainable and require minimal maintenance. The artwork should be suitable for siting in the public realm. The artists should be aware that not all areas within the Dovecote are suitable for people with mobility issues.

4 The artwork will abide by all health and safety requirements. The Dovecote floor plan is attached. It is advised that artists arrange a visit to the site before submitting an application. The space is equipped with appropriate lighting and power points. A hanging system is available on request. All alternative systems must be agreed by DG team. 4. Schedule Expressions of interest invited Dec 09 Deadline for submission of initial expressions of 15 January 2010 interest Shortlist drawn up End January 2010 Interviews of short-listed artist, and on-site visit February 2010 Selection of artists February 2010 Calendar of exhibition (Artist 1) May & Artist 2 (Sept 2010) 5.General Information Dovecote Gallery Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA Website: 6. Getting there Tube: Gants Hill Underground Station (Central Line) Rail: Ilford National Rail, direct line from Liverpool Street Station. Bus: Bus Routes 396, 128, 179, 123, 296, 167 from Gants Hill Underground and 128, 296, 150, 396, 167 from Ilford National Rail to stop Valentines Mansion and Park Cycle: Cycle to the mansion through Valentines Park. Cycles racks are provided at the mansion. Road: Easily accessible from the A406 (Junction for A12) and the M25 (Junction 27 for M11, and follow onto the A406 East) Car Parking available at the mansion (charges apply) 7. Access Designated car parking spaces are provided for disabled badge holders. Although the main mansion has level access throughout, with a lift to all floors, the Dovecote has restricted access to patrons / artists with mobility issues. For further access advice call To apply: Artists are invited to register interest in the scheme and respond to the brief by Friday 18 th December 2009

5 For further information and guidelines, please contact: Arts Development and Events 3rd Floor - Central Library Clements Road, Ilford Essex IG1 1 EA Arts&Events@redbridge.gov.uk

PUBLIC ART COMMISSION FOR KIRKSTALL, LEEDS ARTIST BRIEF

PUBLIC ART COMMISSION FOR KIRKSTALL, LEEDS The Tetley and Leeds City Council ARTIST BRIEF May 2016 The Tetley Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ, UK www.thetetley.org Registered Charity No: 1148716 Company No: