AN exciting challenge was this week launched to create a lasting reminder of the historic celebrations commemorating the 900th anniversary of Tavistock?s market charter.
Tavistock Charter Group is organising the celebrations, which also commemorate the granting of stannary status to the town 750 years ago.
It is asking artists in the area to submit ideas and designs for a piece of public art which would reflect the significance of the charter celebrations and the way markets are important to Tavistock.
Group chairman Iain Andrews said strict criteria for the artwork have not been laid down by the project team.
However, the artwork must be high profile and provide a focal point for Tavistock. It must reflect and celebrate 900 years of the town?s history, be durable and permanent and easily accessible for all. Preference will be given to proposals involving the community in some part.
Iain said: ?Some people have suggested a type of bas-relief, like those round Drake?s Statue, others have suggested a sculpture of some geese. It?s really how people perceive Tavistock as a market town which I think is going to be important.?
The Charter Group has earmarked up to £10,000 for the work of art.
?We are not leaving out anybody in terms of people who want to put forward their ideas. There will be a judging panel consisting of people involved in the Charter Group and people from an artistic background.?
?I think it will be a lovely way of celebrating the charter anniversary and the public is an important part of this. It should be a lasting image for everyone in the community to enjoy, that?s why we haven?t laid down any criteria.
?We also hope it might be possible to have workshops based around it and open days, so it?s more of a living thing that people can see developing.?
Iain said the artwork would need to be located in an easily accessible public space but the specific location has yet to be finalised, to allow artists to take the lead and use their creative ability and knowledge to inform the progress.
The project team which will shortlist the entries comprises Iain Andrews, Graham Kirkpatrick, assistant secretary of the Charter Group, Eleanor Butland, arts officer, West Devon Borough Council, a public art consultant, a local artist and the Times arts editor, Roger Malone.
Artists proposals should include:
l A CV with at least one reference.
l Examples of previous work in form of colour photographs, 35mm slides or CD rom.
l Drawings or maquettes of the proposed design including details of materials and scale.
l A written proposal of no more than one side of A4, describing your design concept, expected timescale for completion and location suggestions.
l A costs budget including artist?s time, materials, installation and any other costs involved.
Proposals should be submitted to Eleanor Butland, West Devon Borough Council, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, PL19 0BZ by October 22.
The selection panel will shortlist the applications which will then be presented to the community for consideration and consultation for one month, after which the winning design will be decided by public vote.