07/07/2022 - Permalink

Can you create artwork for Bishop’s Castle Business Park?

Related topics: Economic growth / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council is seeking a piece of artwork to grace its newest Business Park in Bishop’s Castle.

The council has secured funding, and is looking to commission an artist to create a permanent fixed sculpture that will have pride of place on the site and celebrate both Bishop’s Castle and its beautiful surroundings.

Bishop's Castle Business Park architects design

Bishop’s Castle Business Park architects design

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Deputy Leader, and Cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning, said:-

“This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to create something that will leave a lasting mark in Bishop’s Castle, and Shropshire.

“We are happy to give artists free rein when it comes to the design; all we ask is that it includes something that is connected to Bishop’s Castle and the values it embodies.

“Because it is a public art installation, there are some additional considerations that need to be taken into account: the material it is produced from must be durable and cleanable, and the design itself shouldn’t have sharp edges; but, apart from a few restrictions, we are looking forward to this being a major feature of the business park.

“We can’t wait to see people’s suggestions.”

Ruth Houghton, local Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle, added:-

“I welcome this commission for a piece of public art at the new Business Park in Bishop’s Castle. There are many talented local artists and creatives living in and around Bishop’s Castle, and this is an ideal opportunity for a local artist to capture and illustrate the characteristics of the area where they live and work. I urge them to bid for this commission.”

The council-owned park secured £1.27 million European Regional Development funding last year and is located on Brampton Road in Bishop’s Castle. Construction began at the end of June 2021 and is currently on schedule to be completed by mid-September 2022.

The business site has eight new state-of-the art commercial units built to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards and the available units range from 2,000 sq ft to 13,300 sq ft.

Any artists looking to apply can find the briefing document here: https://bishopscastletowncouncil.gov.uk/2022/07/01/business-park-sculpture/

The deadline for proposed applications is Thursday 1 September 2022, and the winning design will be announced in October, with an installation date set for February 2023.