Six Sacred Sites - Artists' Brief
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An Artist's Book Project -
Exploring the Meaning of The Sacred

Deadline: 30th November 2005

Expressions of interest are welcomed from visual artists, using any media including new and cutting edge technology.

This is an opportunity for artists with sensitivity and experience of working with local communities to grow, to flourish, and to prove, new and exciting ways of nurturing in others a life-long interest in the fine arts.

Art and Sacred Places is a unique organisation with an international profile which works with artists of a high calibre. It supports innovation and experimentation.

This is a Hampshire and Isle of Wight based project working in partnership with Aspex Gallery - Portsmouth, Hampshire Sculpture Trust, The Winchester Gallery and Portsmouth Cathedral.

You will be expected to:

- excel in your chosen medium
- respond with depth and understanding to the site to which you are linked by the project partners
- engage with the issues which are important to the project
- explore the range of ways in which a location can be regarded as sacred
- deliver a tailored-programme of activities which examines and develops threads common to all
- promote reflection on sources of sacredness and meaning in contemporary society
- allow reflection on the enduring power and significance of the notion of sacredness in society
- produce an innovative artist' book

See below for details of the education programme

Timetable:

Artist Selection: January 2006
Site Investigation: May to July 2006
Book Creation: June to September 2006
Artists' Books at Venues: October 2006 to February 2007
Gallery Shows: April to August 2007

Please note: The project timetable and venue exhibition of the artist's book will be dependent on the faith calendar of the venue.

Exhibitions:

As each commission is completed the book produced will be presented to the public at the sacred site in question (or nearby depending on practicalities). Thereafter all six works will be shown collectively, augmented with other work by the artists, at one or more Hampshire Galleries. The project will then tour to a variety of venues.

Education Programme:

Artists will purposefully assist in the community's engagement with the project and promote the opportunity for exploration, insight, discussion and debate. This will, with the advice and assistance of the Aspex Gallery, include the running of three tailor-made workshops. You will also be required to give one talk. These activities may involve a number of different communities which have an interest in the site.

Fee:

£3,000 to cover three days' site research (not necessarily in a single block), book creation, exhibitions, three workshops and a talk.

Each artist will be required to investigate the venue to which they are matched by the project partners for three days. He/she will work alongside the appointed curator to develop an approach to the notion of the sacred. Art and Sacred Places aims to offer the general public a new, informative and enjoyable experience of the visual arts and to stimulate thought about contemporary issues of faith and life.

Art and Sacred Places is interested in the spiritual significance of the work of artists in general not so much in religious art as such. Of paramount importance, however, is sensitivity to the community to which you are linked.

Publicity:

Co-operation on publicity and brochure production is essential. Participation in functions, such as Aspex, The Winchester Gallery and venue private views and at other events organised by Art and Sacred Places, may be requested.

Art and Sacred Places wishes to see artists being supported and valued, getting recognition for their achievement and fulfilling their personal aims. It hopes to provide artists with a valuable addition to their portfolios and to build long-term relationships.

Artists must comply with ASP's Child Protection Policy and Procedures. A Confidential Declaration Form and an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure application must be completed.

To Apply:

Send maximum ten slides, DVD or VHS (max 10 mins.), CD, A4 original prints; CV; A4 expression of interest and return postage and packing (UK stamps or overseas postal vouchers only) to Angela Peagram, Art and Sacred Places, Bakerswell, Meonstoke, Southampton, SO32 3NA Tel: 01489 878725 angela@artandsacredplaces.org

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