Artist Commission: heritage trail

Project timeline: Mid August - Early February

We are looking for a contemporary artist to develop a co-designed heritage trail around the village of Godolphin Cross. The commissioned artist will create a series of five trail markers for outdoor installation alongside expanded digital and print content that responds creatively to the area’s distinct heritage, landscape and community identity.

We want to connect local people and visitors with the layered histories of the area through artistic interpretation, storytelling and public engagement. The resulting trail should encourage walking, curiosity, conversation and reflection, while strengthening community pride and visibility of local heritage.

The form of the signage/interventions is open to proposal and should consider durability, accessibility, legibility and sensitivity to the local environment.

Themes and Approach

Trail stops may respond to themes including:

• Social history and everyday life
• Mining and industrial heritage
• Agriculture and rural labour
• Folklore
• Architecture and landscape
• Ecology and environment
• Community memory and contemporary identity

Artists are encouraged to undertake research and shape the content collaboratively with the community.

Community participation is central to the commission and may include workshops, walks, conversations, and collaboration with local groups and schools.

The final trail should clearly reflect local voices and lived experience alongside the artist’s own creative practice. Trail stops will be selected collaboratively.

Timeline

• Mid August - September 2026 – Project commencement and research phase
• October - December 2026 – Design development and production
• January 2026 – Installation and launch of trail

Budget

Artist Fee: £1,500

Materials and Production Budget: Separate and to be agreed

The fee should cover artist time including research, engagement, design development and project management.

Reasonable production, fabrication and installation costs will be covered separately within an agreed materials budget.

Application Process

• Please submit a short statement no longer than 1 page outlining your proposed approach and interest in the brief
• A CV or short biography
• 3 examples of previous work or relevant projects (images, or link to website/portfolio)
• An indicative materials / production budget
• Email the above to Rosie.gcca@gmail.com with the email heading Heritage Trail

Selection Criteria

Applications will be considered based on:

• Strength and suitability of the artistic approach
• Experience of collaborative or community-led working
• Understanding of place-responsive practice
• Ability to deliver the project within the proposed timeframe and budget

Applications are welcomed from those with experience in areas such as:

• Community or participatory practice
• Site-responsive or public realm work
• Heritage interpretation
• Walking projects and trails
• Collaborative research
• Digital or multimedia interpretation and design

Those with experience of working in rural contexts or connections to Cornwall are particularly encouraged to apply.