WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL BELLAMBI ENTRY STATEMENT …

Ward 1 Public Art Project 2021 Public Art Program Wollongong City Council 13/04/2021

1

ARTIST BRIEF

WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL

BELLAMBI ENTRY STATEMENT/DIRECTIONAL SIGN

PUBLIC ARTWORK 2021

Public Art Program Cultural Development Wollongong City Council

Extended deadline for Expressions of Interest:

5pm Wednesday 21st April 2021


2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Background 1.2 Aims and Objectives 1.3 Policy & Planning Framework 2. THE WORK OF ART 2.1 Project Description 2.2 Scope of Works 2.3 Parameters 2.4 Design and Thematic Considerations 2.5 Materials and Maintenance 2.6 Work by Council 2.7 Legal Requirements & Restrictions 2.8 Budget 3. THE SITE FOR THE COMMISSION 3.1 Location and Site Description 3.2 Site Constraints 4. COMMISSIONING PROCESS 4.1 Project Management 4.2 Project and Design Development 4.3 Fabrication and Installation 4.4 Acquittal 5. TERMS OF ENAGAGEMENT 5.1 Public Advertising 5.2 Engagement by Council 5.3 Deadline for Expression of Interest 5.4 Expression of Interest - Assessment Criteria

6. PROJECT TIMELINE

7. REQUEST FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

8. SITE IMAGES


3

1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Background Information: This project is part of Wollongong City Council’s Public Art Program. This ongoing program continues to transform the city’s outdoor public spaces and foster creative engagement through exciting and evocative art spaces. The project will significantly enhance the quality of the public domain and therefore strengthen Wollongong as an innovative and creative regional centre that encourages creativity, employment and economic growth. This Brief covers the coordination, development of designs, community consultations, fabrication, timeframes, delivery and installation of artwork. 1.2 Aims and Objectives The Bellambi Entry Statement/Directional Sign Project 2021 aims to: Provide an entry statement and wayfinding method to significant Bellambi

locations Engage an artist to create an engaging and original public artwork. Create quality public art that is contemporary Express a unique character of place and people Respond to and reflect the natural, social and cultural dynamics of

Wollongong Improve amenity and activate spaces

1.3. Policy Framework This project contributes to the delivery of Wollongong 2022 Community Strategic Plan - Goal 3 “Wollongong is a creative vibrant City”. It specifically delivers on the following:

These projects contribute to the delivery of Wollongong 2028 Community Strategic Plan, Goal 3 ‘Wollongong is a creative vibrant city’ and the Annual Plan 2018-2019. It specifically delivers on the following:

Community Strategic Plan

Delivery Program 2018-2021 Annual Plan 2018-2019

Strategy 3 Year Action Annual Deliverables

3.1.1.3 Encourage the integration of urban design and public art

. Deliver the Public Art Strategy

The program also contributes to the delivery of the Cultural Plan 2014-18 across the objectives of:

An Inclusive and Connected Community


4

Celebrating Our Places Smart Economy Vibrant Arts And Cultural Community

The program also contributes to the delivery of Creative Wollongong 2019 - 2024.

2. THE ARTWORK 2.1 Project Description: The existing directional sign (known locally as “the fish sign”) stands at the south-western end of the Bellambi Housing Estate precinct. A key partner, the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, is located on the same corner. The sign has been in place since 2003. Due to wear and tear, the fish elements will be removed. The vertical fixing poles will remain in place. The new artwork will be fixed to these poles. A community consultation process has taken place. Representatives of the Bellambi community have approved the inclusion of the following text into the design: WELCOME TO BELLAMBI (entry statement) Surf Club (indicating northerly direction) Pool and BBQ area (indicating easterly direction) Soccer field (indicating northerly direction) Boat ramp (indicating easterly direction) An acknowledgement of Aboriginal Country shall also be included (TBA) 2.2 Scope of Works: The successful artist will develop the following:

a) Project plan and detailed designs b) Development and approval of detailed Designs and a Project Plan c) Fabrication of Artwork (may be subcontracted to specialist artisan or

tradespersons) d) Delivery and Installation of Artwork (may be subcontracted to specialist

tradespersons) e) Final Artistic Report & Maintenance Plan

The Artwork will be an integral part of the character of the site. The artwork will comply with Council’s risk management, safety and construction standards. The approved design will need to comply with Council’s OH&S and risk management processes and procedures and all Australian design standards for safety. 2.3 Parameters: The Artist will refer to this Project Brief, Artist Contract, Appendices A - Wollongong City Council Public Art Process and any attached documents when creating the


5

artwork. It is understood that the life of the artwork will be between 6 - 10years. Council reserves the right to remove the artwork as required. 2.4 Design and Thematic Consideration The theme and design of the artwork will reflect information from community consultation with local residents. Approval of the designs will need to be signed off by the Public Art Compliance Committee.

The design for the project is to respond to the following:

Create an organic design that reflects the character of Bellambi and the

local community. Residents have expressed their preference that the design should incorporate references to the ocean

Create a design that addresses the functionality of the project as a wayfinding/welcoming sign – the artwork will incorporate information/text.

Have a strong connection to the site; this project is an opportunity to sympathetically explore local identity, our environment, heritage, Aboriginal heritage.

Enhance land marking and place making values Provide elements for discovery, reflection and interpretation. Create an artwork that activates the area visually The work should not interfere with surrounding building or community

usage. 2.5 Materials The artwork is required to meet safety requirements in relation to materials.

The artist /designer will ensure that the detailed design for the artwork will: Be designed to withstand an exposed outdoor environment Be designed to be safe to the public and offer a long life Be sustainable, durable and low maintenance Take into account maintenance / cleaning and conservation issues when

selecting materials Comply with Council’s risk management, safety and construction standards

and all materials are to address Australian Standards. Comply with Council’s entrapment, protrusions, and climbing and risk

management requirements.

The artwork can be made of materials such as steel, ceramic, stone, concrete, wood. It can be embellished with design elements. Materials such as recycled sandstone, steel, mosaic or bronze inlays can be used. Other suitable materials can be recommended after submitting a sound case.

The artist will collaborate with Council to define the best attachment / fixing method to the existing galvanised steel poles, with possible consultation with contractors. The Artist will provide an extensive detailed report that covers materials and methodologies used to fabricate and install the artwork (in consultation with


6

subcontractor if applicable). The designs will be created to withstand and discourage vandalism and damage. Maintenance: The Artist will supply a written detailed Maintenance Plan for the artwork for the Project Plan and reviewed upon completion / handover to Council. The artwork will use materials that should allow for easy removal of graffiti and be vandal resistant. 2.6 Scale The location and design of the artwork should take into consideration the following:

a) existing poles as fixing points b) structures, buildings, pedestrian and vehicular movement. c) the work should aesthetically and functionally sit well within the visual and

practical parameters of the site. 2.7 Work by Council Wollongong City Council will provide the following:

Project Brief Project Contract Project Administration Project management and support Review of Environmental Factors (REF) approval and other planning

approvals 2.8 Legal Requirements & Restrictions The Artist will be required to enter into a Council Standard Public Art Commissioning Contract. The artwork must be carried out to the specification of this Brief, Contract, Project Plan and Council policies and procedures. The artist must have their own Public Liability insurance ($10 Million). The artist agrees to allow the reproduction of the artwork(s) for non-profit purposes with appropriate permission and acknowledgement of the artists. 2.8 Budget An amount of $20,000 is available for the Artist. The Artist fee includes all aspects of the project including artist fees, concept development, the development of project plans, detailed designs, meeting attendance, fabrication, all equipment and materials, any fees, licences, engineering and approvals and delivery and installation of the completed artwork. Payments are made in stages upon the successful completion of agreed tasks, outputs and timeframes completed.

3.0 THE SITE FOR THE ARTWORK 3.1 Location and Site Description The site for the proposed artwork is the corner of Cawley and Rothery Sts, Bellambi. The Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is on the same corner and provides a key conduit to the Bellambi community. The new artwork will replace


7

the original artwork/directional sign (“the fish sign”) located at this intersection. It is a highly visible location for passers-by, residents and visitors to the area and a key wayfinding and ‘gateway’ point. See 8.1 and 8.2 – Site Photos 3.2 Site Constraints The artwork will also be required to:

Be integrated and fixed to the two existing vertical poles (see image page 1)

Not interrupt clear circulation routes Be designed so that it cannot be climbed upon

It is important that the selected artist(s) acknowledge and respect the staff and adjoining businesses or users of the space and Wollongong City Council.

4.0 COMMISSIONING PROCESS 4.1 Project Management: The Artist will be directly responsible to the Public Art Officer in Cultural Development. The artist will manage and coordinate the production of their artwork. Cultural Development will provide overall management of the project. The artists will be required to attend briefing and meetings with the Public Art Officer, Cultural Development, if required. 4.2 Project and Design Development and Approval Once engaged the successful artist(s) shall prepare detailed designs / concepts and rationale to present to Council for approval. Any changes to the agreed design will need to be submitted in writing and negotiated and agreed to by Public Art Officer. 4.3 Fabrication and Installation Following formal approval of the detailed Designs and any additional recommendations made by the Project Committee, the artist will further develop and supply the final agreed artwork. The artist will coordinate all aspects of the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork in consultation with Council. The artist may, if needed, subcontract the fabrication to a specialist artisan or tradesperson at their own discretion. 4.4 Acquittal At the end of the project the artist is to deliver to Cultural Development a report that includes design development, rationale and completed works in situ in a written and photographic form. The project report shall include the following:

1. Project Documentation 2. Evaluation 3. Final Artistic Report


8

5.0 TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT 5.1 Engagement by Council. A panel will assess the submission(s) and make a recommendation to Council to engage the artist(s). 5.2 Artist Commissioning Process – Assessment Criteria The assessment of expressions of interest will be based upon the following criteria and corresponding weightings:

Criteria Weighting

1 Demonstrate artistic experience and excellence and ability to create contemporary artworks that address the project brief.

24%

2 Demonstrate ability to transform and activate the site through a strong and innovative concept.

24%

3 Demonstrate experience or detail how you would: successfully deliver a project on time and on budget

24%

4 Demonstrate experience or detail how you would: work with Council and a range of stakeholders including contractors, business and other diverse stakeholders.

24%

5 Demonstrate that you are an artist residing in the Wollongong LGA area.

4%

6.0 TIMELINE

PROJECT TIMELINES

Targeted EOI - Artist submit concept 12th April 2021

Public Art Advisory Panel – recommends artist April 2021

Engagement of artist April 2021

Commencement of design development April 2021

Fabrication of artwork April/May/June 2021

Completion of Installation of work June 2021

7.0 REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Requests for information, questions or requests for clarification concerning the Expression of Interest Documents please contact: Contact Sue Bessell 42277599 [email protected]


9

8.0 SITE MAP and IMAGES

8.1 Area Map

8.3 Site photographs


10