An exciting opportunity for artists to develop two pieces of artwork for the Rail to River Public Realm scheme, part of the Government-funded King’s Lynn Town Deal, has been launched today with a call to submit proposals by the end of January.
The Rail to River Public Realm Project received £245,000 funding from the £25m Town Deal. So far it has seen new benches and planters installed at King’s Lynn Railway Station, new signage around the town and will see the installation of pop-up retail facilities in Purfleet Street.
A further element is the design and installation of an arch across Purfleet Street to draw people towards the riverfront.
The final part of this project is the development of two impactful and inspirational pieces of public art that will enhance the connection between the railway station and the riverfront. They need to be thought-provoking to raise awareness of the potential impact of climate change on the town. One piece will be located outside the railway station, the other will be outside St James Swimming Pool on Blackfriars Street.
Vicky Etheridge, Manager Discover King’s Lynn, and Town Deal Board Member overseeing the Public Realm project, said:
“We are looking for something that will generate a talking point for the town and encourage people to come and have a look at both pieces of art as they travel from the railway station to the historic riverfront. We want these pieces to be engaging and to trigger emotions in people, to create a memorable impact and even encourage behaviour change. At the same time, each piece needs to be sensitive to its surroundings.
“We are particularly keen to have artwork that younger people can relate to. We have done a lot of research with younger people, and we want their feedback to be incorporated in the final design. This is a really exciting project for artists to get involved with and we are really looking forward to seeing the creations they come up with.”
The project call is open now and live on the Vision King’s Lynn website. Artists are being asked to submit their proposals for the design, production and installation of their piece by noon on 30 January 2023. A total budget of £50,000 has been set aside for the two pieces. Final designs will be selected by a panel comprising local representatives and key stakeholders for the King’s Lynn Town Deal. Development and installation will need to be completed by Summer 2023 at the latest subject to landowner permissions and any planning consents required.
For further information and to submit a proposal visit visionkingslynn.co.uk and click on Public Realm in the Projects section.
This project is led by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, who are also the accountable body for the Government Funding. The council is working with Discover King’s Lynn, Norfolk County Council, other partners and the King’s Lynn Town Centre Public Realm & Repurposing Working Group, which was established by the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board.
For further information and to submit a proposal visit artrabbit.com