Singleton Public Art Sculpture Commission
Supported through a NSW Government Resources for Regions Grant, Singleton Council is accepting expressions of interest for a free-standing sculptural work. The sculpture’s design should be celebratory in nature while exploring some aspect of the Hunter Region’s natural environment.
A small number of artists will be shortlisted to produce a developed proposal in line with a detailed project brief. Shortlisted artists will be paid a nominal fee to produce this submission.
Shortlisted artists will be experienced in producing large scale public/outdoor sculptures and will understand the importance of compliance with Singleton Council’s safety requirements in the production and installation of the work. They will also be willing to follow the curatorial vision set by Council, and be able to work flexibly with stakeholders to complete the project within a specified time frame. Artists will be residents of the Singleton LGA, the Upper Hunter or greater Hunter Region, or able to demonstrate a connection to the Singleton area – Wonnarua, Wanaruah artists are encouraged to apply.
The submitted proposals from all shortlisted artists will be reviewed by a selection panel at a time to be determined by Singleton Council.
All applications for shortlisting will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Resident of the Singleton LGA, the Upper Hunter or greater Hunter Region, or able to demonstrate a connection to the Singleton area.
- Experience in developing detailed designs and delivering mid to large scale public/outdoor sculptures.
- Demonstrated artistic merit.
- Willingness to align with the curatorial vision set by Singleton Council.
- Experience in developing comprehensive project milestones and timelines.
- Flexibility to work with different Council departments and to regulatory outlines.
- Awareness of safe work methods, sustainable material choices and safe installation processes.
EOI APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications are to be submitted through the Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre website. Please read the application criteria carefully before applying – See online application link at the bottom of this page.
Applications close 5pm, 12 April 2024.
All applicants are to provide the following:
- A response to the selection criteria detailing your interest in the project and your connection to the Singleton LGA.
- A brief description of your art practice and experience, including any public art works.
- Demonstration of your ability to work flexibly to deliver plans in a timely manner and to budget.
- An artist’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum two pages).
- Three relevant and high-resolution images of your work.
SINGLETON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) BACKGROUND AND VISION
The Singleton Local Government Area (LGA) is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage. Singleton is situated amongst prestigious vineyards and rich rural landscapes, with a backdrop of mining and industry. This country setting plays host to a variety of recreational, sporting and outdoor adventure opportunities including world heritage national parks, First Nations heritage sites, and an award-winning arts and cultural centre. The LGA lies within the custodial lands of the Wanaruah, Wonnarua People and Council acknowledges the long history of the traditional owners.
Strategically located in the centre of the Hunter Valley Region in New South Wales, the Singleton LGA is within easy reach of other major centres including Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney. First settled by Europeans in 1821, it was primarily an agricultural centre, however, this rapidly changed in the mid-1970s with the influx of the mining sector. Today, the area is known for its superb local and gourmet produce. The outlying villages of the Singleton LGA, such as Broke, Bulga and Branxton, have become prestigious tourism drawcards with their offerings of boutique getaways, first class guesthouses, farm stays and cellar doors.
The LGA has a population of approximately 24,600 and the Singleton town centre is the main commercial and retail hub for the local population and visitors to the area. It is a busy commercial centre supported by a vibrant community with an underpinning in the mining, electricity-generation, military, agricultural and tourism sectors.
Council recognises that facilitating opportunities for community engagement and participation in quality arts and cultural programs can enrich the personal lives of residents and support the social and cultural wellbeing of the community. A quality arts and cultural program enhances the region’s identity and reputation and will provide opportunities for cultural tourism to feed creative industry development and contribute to economic diversity.
Council is committed and ambitious in its pursuit of quality arts infrastructure and strategic creative arts programming.
VISION
Public art will become an intrinsic part of Singleton’s identity, enriching tourism, and boosting the local economy. It will activate spaces and build landmarks that celebrate our creativity, heritage, and culture.
SELECTION PANEL
This panel serves to assist in the selection of commissioned artists for the procurement and fabrication of public art. It will be comprised of council representatives and external members to ensure that all formal requirements are met, and that decisions are made inclusively.
