Commission
A New Artist Commission for public libraries in Torbay
Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the public library service in Devon and Torbay, is seeking to commission an experienced artist.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced artist/s to find inspiration in four libraries in Torbay (Brixham, Churston, Paignton and Torquay) by engaging with library teams, library resources, and with new and existing library customers, and community groups.
We ask that the artist/s enhance our existing library programmes, influence new directions using their professional expertise and leave a legacy of collaborative work that celebrates uniqueness and connections between the four host libraries and their communities.
Our libraries host a rich programme of activities and events for their communities, from Bounce and Rhyme to Knit and Chat, STEM groups, author talks, craft fairs, book groups, chess, Lego and Duplo clubs and much more!
Our provocation to the commissioned artist/s is to listen, network, dialogue, investigate, support and co-create. In each library you are invited to amplify an existing activity or to programme a new event in collaboration with library teams and new or existing groups. The challenge is to make something new happen and take something learned to the next library.
The successful artist will create at least one public intervention per library (participatory, performance, workshop, talk) to respond to the needs of the library's local community. You will produce one case study that will be shared to libraries beyond Torbay and become a resource in the development of further public library commissions. We are open minded about artform, and you may wish to apply as a sole artist or with co-creators for part or all the commission.
The successful artist/s will have:
Proven record of delivering high-quality creative projects;
Experience of working in libraries or similar community settings;
Evidence of socially engaged reflective arts practice (any artform);
Flexible and collaborative approach to working with diverse groups;
Evidence of up-to-date DBS check and public liability insurance.
The project will run from April to August 2024, with a fee of up to £8,000. This includes the artist/s fee, materials, travel and other expenses necessary to deliver the project outcomes/documentation which includes a bespoke case study (audience and participation data and documented process and learning from each library).
To apply, please send your CV, evidence of previous projects including links to website/online portfolio, a brief proposal of around 1 side of A4 outlining your approach and a draft schedule and budget to evolve@librariesunlimited.org.uk
We ask that the artist/s enhance our existing library programmes, influence new directions using their professional expertise and leave a legacy of collaborative work that celebrates uniqueness and connections between the four host libraries and their communities.
Our libraries host a rich programme of activities and events for their communities, from Bounce and Rhyme to Knit and Chat, STEM groups, author talks, craft fairs, book groups, chess, Lego and Duplo clubs and much more!
Our provocation to the commissioned artist/s is to listen, network, dialogue, investigate, support and co-create. In each library you are invited to amplify an existing activity or to programme a new event in collaboration with library teams and new or existing groups. The challenge is to make something new happen and take something learned to the next library.
The successful artist will create at least one public intervention per library (participatory, performance, workshop, talk) to respond to the needs of the library's local community. You will produce one case study that will be shared to libraries beyond Torbay and become a resource in the development of further public library commissions. We are open minded about artform, and you may wish to apply as a sole artist or with co-creators for part or all the commission.
The successful artist/s will have:
Proven record of delivering high-quality creative projects;
Experience of working in libraries or similar community settings;
Evidence of socially engaged reflective arts practice (any artform);
Flexible and collaborative approach to working with diverse groups;
Evidence of up-to-date DBS check and public liability insurance.
The project will run from April to August 2024, with a fee of up to £8,000. This includes the artist/s fee, materials, travel and other expenses necessary to deliver the project outcomes/documentation which includes a bespoke case study (audience and participation data and documented process and learning from each library).
To apply, please send your CV, evidence of previous projects including links to website/online portfolio, a brief proposal of around 1 side of A4 outlining your approach and a draft schedule and budget to evolve@librariesunlimited.org.uk
