—
Open Call for ‘The Wakes Weeks’ Mural Commission
—
We have released an open call for Expressions of Interest for a new contemporary commission based on nostalgic references of the traditional holiday period ‘Wakes Week’
Date Posted —
27.01.2021
The Opportunity:
Deco Publique will be commissioning an artist to produce a mural exploring the heritage of The Wakes Week - a holiday period with a strong tradition of mill towns visiting Morecambe and other Lancashire towns, attracted by the healing powers of the sea. We would especially like this opportunity to go to artists currently living in; or having a historic connection to, Morecambe, Lancashire and/or Yorkshire.
We are looking for Expressions of Interest from artists that propose a mural and that use this heritage story as a thematic reference to highlight Morecambe as a contemporary destination and staycation location for Summer 2021 and in the future going forward. This is particularly prevalent in light of current and future travel restrictions - attracting visitors and promoting the resort's natural beauty and seaside attractions.
Link to full brief:
Deadline for Submissions:
16th February 2021(midnight)
Fee:
£4500
What Next:
Curators will review proposals, responding by 23rd February 2021. Work must be complete by the end of April 2021.
This commission is a continuation of a series of works produced by Deco Publique enlivening Morecambe with public art commissions transforming the overall aesthetic, encouraging public realm improvement and supporting enhanced perception of place.
The final design should have the potential to be used as a graphic treatment on posters or leaflets to attract visitors to the areas.
Commission Aims:
Celebrate and profile the history of working communities who took holidays in Morecambe in the 19th and 20th century
Highlight Morecambe as a contemporary destination and staycation for the summer - attracting visitors and promoting the resorts natural beauty and seaside attractions
Create high quality outcomes with cultural and artistic credibility
About The Wakes Week - source Wikipedia
Wakes Week is a holiday period in parts of England and Scotland. Originally a religious celebration or feast, the tradition of The Wakes Week developed into a secular holiday, particularly in North West England during the Industrial Revolution. In Scotland, each city has a ‘Trades Fortnight’; two weeks in the Summer when tradesmen take their holidays.
Although a strong tradition during the 19th and 20th centuries, the observance of the holiday has almost disappeared in recent times, due to the decline of the manufacturing industries in the United Kingdom and the standardisation of school holidays across England.
There was a long-held belief amongst the working classes of the North of England of the benefits of bathing in the sea during the months of August and September, as there was said to be ‘physic in the sea’. The expansion of the railway network led Blackpool to become a seaside resort catering mainly for the Lancashire working classes. Southport catered for the slightly better off and Morecambe attracted visitors from the West Riding textile towns.
How to Apply
Download the full details HERE
To apply, please send a 500 word Expression of Interest with reference to:
An outline of your interest in working on this particular commission
How your project might connect to The Wakes Week narrative
Any relevant experience in painting at large scale and /or painting in outdoor spaces
It is important to us that artists are paid fairly for their work. Please provide an indication of your day rate for this commission and an indication of a project budget although this will be finalised upon confirmation of the site with the artist.
Additionally: Please provide links to your work online on a website, in articles or Instagram, with reference where possible to projects, commissions or elements of your practice that have the most relevance to this commission.
Deadline
Tuesday 16th February 2021
Please send questions and Expressions of Interest to daisy@decopublique.co.uk
If you have any access requirements relating to submitting an application, please contact the producer at the above email, who will be happy to discuss alternative methods of submitting information.
About Deco Publique:
Deco Publique is an art and culture company based by the sea in Morecambe and working in and around the North. We make public art that animates coastal spaces, rural landscapes and urban centres.
Our portfolio includes Vintage by the Sea, an award winning festival that has taken place for seven consecutive years in Morecambe, attracting local, regional and national audiences of approximately 40,000 and generating an economic impact of £1 million+ for the district per Festival. In June 2020 the Festival curators and organisers - a partnership between Deco Publique, Lancaster City Council and HemingwayDesign took the decision to cancel 2020’s Festival due to the global pandemic and restriction on mass gatherings. In the midst of this ever-changing situation, we are still working to create opportunities for artists and produce positive, meaningful outcomes that animate Morecambe town centre.
Pictured above: A selection of murals commissioned by Deco Publique. Take the Plunge by Shane Johnstone and Kate Drummond 2014, Art Park - Bespoke Atelier 2017, Fantastic Morecambe - Shane Johnstone and Kate Drummond 2014.
Join us on