Exciting new opportunity for an artist (or collaboration of artists), to create a dynamic Sitting Space in the Dorset National Landscape.
Closing date for Expression of Interest is 9am on Tuesday 9th April 2024.
We are looking for an artist (or collaboration of artists), to create a dynamic Sitting Space alongside a new Food Trail we are developing. This will involve the design and creation of a temporary, seasonal or permanent installation, as well as curated audience engagement.
The aim is to encourage more people to come and connect with the landscape and food heritage of the area. What better way than creatively making space for simply sitting down and taking time to enjoy Dorset’s outstanding landscapes!
We will use this commission as a pilot to test whether the Sitting Spaces approach could be used at other sites in the future.
The total budget for this commission is £20,000, with an additional £1000 available for each of the 3 shortlisted artists to work up initial ideas.
The Dorset National Landscape team has long supported the connection between local produce and landscape management through Dorset Food & Drink, which celebrates those products which result from conservation land management or are inspired by the area’s natural beauty.
Sitting Spaces is a concept of the Dorset National Landscape team which can be realised in 2024 through this area’s share of an additional £10M capital funding that government committed to protected landscapes. A budget has been assigned and delivery of the project as a whole is expected before end December 2024.
The Sitting Spaces installation will support an associated Food Trails project, and will help with its aim to attract a wider range of people to use the Food Trail and to engage them in the landscape heritage while they are there. It will also function as pilot to test whether the Sitting Spaces approach could be used at other sites in the future.
The idea for Sitting Spaces comes from the ambition to widen the range of people who explore and enjoy the countryside. We are aware that not everyone is able – or wants to – actively explore the countryside so want to develop an opportunity to more passively enjoy the countryside … by simply ‘sitting’.
However, rather than simply install standard park benches in front of a view, we recognise that creative input could greatly add value to the sitting experience!
There’s lots more information about this Invitation to Quote and the Sitting Spaces proposal in this Sitting Spaces Artist Brief.
Please send us an Expression of Interest by 9am on Tuesday 9th April 2024 (see Brief for details on what to include).
Do get in touch if you have further queries – Sue Dampney, Dorset National Landscape team: sue.dampney@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk / 01305 228242