A NEW mural could soon fill the blank canvas of a Worcester railway station as the search begins for an artist to create a bold and beautiful original design.
The vinyl artwork would decorate the plain white subway between the two platforms of Foregate Street Station in Worcester, providing a striking first impression for city visitors.
The project, named 'Art at the Station', is a design brief promoted by a coalition of partners led by The Arts Society (TAS) Worcester.
Artwork at Guildford Railway Station by Surrey artist Julie Hoyle, creator of 'Host', illustrates the dramatic impression similar schemes have created elsewhere in the UK.
Maggie Keeble Chairperson TAS Worcester: “It is an exciting experience to be commissioning public art for a very visible site. The winning artist/designer has an opportunity to create an installation that will transform the space and be seen by many thousands of people.”
The coalition is looking for artists based in the West Midlands to submit proposals. A closing date for submissions has been set for August 31 and the shortlist will be released on September 15.
The artist or artists chosen will be paid £3,000 for this project which will include a responsibility to share the journey from design to installation with two aspiring artists from Worcestershire.
Artwork will be in the form of a digital design suitable for large-scale printing on vinyl to attach to the surface of panels in the subway.
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The work will have an indefinite lifespan with contingency funds included in the overall budget to maintain and repair the work if it is damaged or deteriorating.
There will be a definite colour palette that will need to be adhered to, although tonal variation is expected. The colours have been selected based on The Worcester Colour Palette by the Colour Palette Company.
The design will need to incorporate a map of the city with areas of interest for tourists, the main thoroughfares and the River Severn. The chosen artist may collaborate with a map designer but the costs will need to be incorporated within the £3,000.
Sites to be incorporated in the maps are Worcester Cathedral, the Museum of Royal Worcester, The Commandery, The Guildhall, The Hive, the University of Worcester Art House, University of Worcester Campus in St John's, Tudor House Museum, Greyfriars, Swan Threare, the Racecourse, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.
To enter the process artists will be expected to submit a design concept and rough sketch (digital or on paper).
Entries will be shortlisted by a panel and each shortlisted candidate will need to present their ideas at a Zoom-based interview.
Organisers hope to commission an artist from the West Midlands but if a suitable candidate cannot be found they may widen the geographical reach.
The installation must incorporate a map of Worcester city centre designed by the artist or a collaborator – rough concepts should be submitted with the design sketch. Two identical maps will feature one at each end of the west wall.
The installation is expected to take place in February or March next year.
To submit an application visit The Arts Society Worcester website, go to 'all about us' and then go to latest news to submit a form.
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