IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Programme
Artist Commission Opportunity
Call Out for Proposals – Application Deadline: 23rd February 2025
We are excited to announce an art commission opportunity for three local artists to contribute to the regeneration plans of Midsomer Norton through the IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Programme led by B&NES council and Midsomer Norton Town Council, produced by 44AD and supported by Midsomer Norton Community Trust and Midsomer Norton Music & Arts Festival. This commission seeks proposals for community led artworks to be installed in Midsomer Norton High Street, coinciding with the launch of a public consultation for a new Town Centre Plan in August 2025.
About:
IMAGINE Midsomer Norton programme is offering three commission opportunities for local artists to use their creative practice to engage the community of Midsomer Norton in shaping the vision for the town's regeneration.
Each commissioned artist will work with local people to develop an artwork which captures the essence of Midsomer Norton and its people, as well as expressing people's hopes for the future of the town centre. The resulting artworks will be installed in prominent locations along Midsomer Norton High Street to coincide with the launch of the consultation for the Town Centre Plan, promoting the planning consultation to as wide a cross-section of the community as possible.
To access the online proposal application form please click
Information about the regeneration project and art commission can be found at:
For further enquiries, please email:
Katie O’Brien
Beth Whalley
Commission details:
Artist Fees
The budget for this commission is £3,000 per artist – this includes all artist fees, workshop engagement and the production of the work. All costs are exclusive of VAT.
At close of project, commissioned artworks will remain in the collection of the IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Programme. Copyright will be retained by the artist.
Selection Criteria
The IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Programme project team will be responsible for the selection of the three artists.
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Quality of your ideas and artwork proposal and how they relate to this project.
- Ability to engage and connect with the local community, and translate community contributions into a high-quality artwork.
- Feasibility of the proposed project within the specified timeline and budget.
Selected Artists must:
- be based in the Somer Valley region (Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield, Peasedown, Paulson, Timsbury, Cameron, Shoscombe, High Littleton, Farrington Gurney) or have strong links with the area.
- design and facilitate relevant project activities, with support from the project producer.
- be prepared to develop risk assessments for the projects activities and artwork installation; the project producer can assist with this.
- have (or apply for) PLI; the project producer can advise with this.
- have (or apply for) DBS - if working with young people or vulnerable adults; the project producer can advise with this.
- be open to being involved in media coverage, interviews, press and PR relating to the project.
- engage with the B&NES project team to develop an understanding of the regeneration scheme so that they communicate confidently with the public.
Artwork specifics
Any creative practice can be considered for this project, provided there is some display or pop up event element to the work. This may include walks, walkabout performances, temporary sculptures, window installations, street dressing, murals, floor-scapes, vinyls. Digital media, publications/zines, sound art etc. are also possible though there will need to be a display element in addition to this.
The High Street Steering Group and local stakeholders have shared priority ideas which include an illustrated map showcasing independent businesses, a shop window trail, a short film weaving high street history with masterplan ideas and hopes for the future, and models of the past/present/ future high street.
Timeline
23rd February 2025 - Application deadline
27th February 2025 - Shortlist interviews
28th February 2025 - Successful applicants notified
10th March 2025 - Midsomer Norton site visit
April 2025 - Community workshops
May 2025 - Concept designs and project team feedback
June 2025 - Final designs submitted
July 2025 - Final artwork installation to coincide with the Town Centre Plan consultation launch
Engagement with the community
The selected artists will be required to run at least one workshop with members of the community to inform the content of their work. The artist, with support from the producer, will be expected to design and facilitate activities. The B&NES project team can make relevant introductions to community groups, as well as advertising the sessions..
The engagement work should encourage people to share their memories, stories and hopes for Midsomer Norton. It may include hands-on elements and must be inclusive and engaging – participants may be from a wide range of backgrounds and have no previous creative experience.
Artwork Location
All installations must be located on Midsomer Norton High Street, with a particular focus on the lower (south-west) end of the high street - a conservation area. Artists may suggest potential locations but these will need to be scoped and selected in collaboration with the project team. Potential locations may include:
Midsomer Norton Town Hall . Market Square at The Island
Holly Court vacant shop windows . Midsomer Norton Library
Hollies Gardens . The Hollies windows . Old Brewery building vacant shop windows
IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Programme will document engagement activities and the artwork installation in situ, and reserve the right to use these images for any press, marketing and interpretation for an unlimited period.
Artists interested in applying for this opportunity are required to submit the following:
- Artist Statement: A brief introduction to your practice and why you are interested in working on this project (max 500 words).
- Proposal: A concept for the artwork, including how you plan to engage with the community and any materials or techniques you intend to use (max 1000 words).
- Portfolio: Samples of previous work, demonstrating your experience and artistic vision (max 10 images or links to videos).
- CV: A current CV highlighting relevant experience.
Inspiration
Feel inspired with this informative sound walk
Myths and Memories of Midsomer Norton High Street was created as part of Midsomer Norton’s High Street Cultural Programme, leading you through 12 landmark locations in Midsomer Norton. From medieval times to the present day, explore its distinctive history as a market town, industry hub, entertainment hotspot, and lots more, shedding new light on the people who have lived, worked and made Midsomer Norton's High Street what it is today.
IMAGINE Midsomer Norton programme art commission is a fantastic opportunity for local artists to contribute to Midsomer Norton’s regeneration plan while engaging directly with the people who call it home. We look forward to receiving your proposals and seeing how you can help shape the town’s future through your artwork.
To access the online proposal application form please click