sculptural plinth commission
Blaze Arts, Burnley Civic Trust and HAD & Co Architectural Designers are seeking an early to mid-career artist to design and produce a new sculptural public realm artwork in the form of a plinth. The plinth will comprise four panels and will support an established public sculpture in the town centre, Unknown Shoppers.
This commission encourages a socially engaged, collaborative approach and seeks to ensure that authentic local youth voices are central to the work. The commissioned artist will work closely with local young people to develop ideas and inspiration for the artwork, ensuring the final design reflects the voices, experiences and aspirations of the community.
The commission celebrates Burnley's Market Charter, honouring the town's rich history while looking towards its future.
About the Commission
The artwork will take the form of four designed panels forming a plinth, which will be retrofit onto the existing base. The sculpture Unknown Shoppers will be mounted on top.
The Artists will have the opportunity to work with the Burnley Civic Trust Board to gain understanding of the history behind the original sculpture
The artwork should reflect collaborative work undertaken with young people, integrated into the concept.
Designs should connect to people and place which could include:
Reflecting to Burnley's character; its people, history, town centre or civic stories.
Connecting to the shoppers or history depicted in the original sculpture and their relationship to the Market Charter.
Looking toward the future, celebrating Burnley's culture today or imagining what the town could become.