Call for artists to design and create gateway to Buckie

A UK-wide call for artists has been launched to create a gateway feature for Buckie.

Funded by developer obligations secured from Tesco in 2010, the hunt is on for artwork which marks the entrance to the town and showcases its heritage, engaging and educating residents and visitors.

A full artists’ brief is now available for those wishing to tender for the project, for which there’s a £23,500 budget to include all materials, planning fees and installation.

Chair of Moray Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services Committee, Cllr David Bremner, said the opportunity would provide “an exciting challenge for new, emerging or established UK-based artists”.

He added: “I’m intrigued to see what designs and created by talented artists which will capture the spirit and heritage of Buckie’s past, present and future.”

Tesco’s Community Champion within the Buckie store, Richard Ross-Boyd, said: “We here at Tesco are delighted to be working with the local community on this project. The gateway is a massive opportunity for local and national artists to show their work. Perhaps you can win the grant and commission to produce the new Buckie gateway?”

Shortlisted artists will be asked to work up their proposals to a more detailed level, before the proposals are put on display to the public to comment on, before a winner is selected. Local ward members, Cllrs Sonya Warren, Tim Eagle and Gordon Cowie will have input to the shortlist.

Submissions are being accepted until 29 March, with the public display expected to run in June and July 2019. Those interested in submitting artwork and ideas should contact procurement@moray.gov.uk.