Artistic features for Sutton Courtenay Village Green

Overview

Sutton Courtenay Parish Council seeks expressions of interest from artists, craftspeople, or designers to design and create artistic vehicle barriers for the village green. The barriers must enhance the area, be visually engaging, celebrate the village's heritage and culture, and serve as practical, safe barriers preventing vehicle access to the Green for parking. Currently there are 199 wooden posts covering a circumference of 300 meters that are in constant need of maintenance due to damage from cars.

Project Scope

The project will replace existing wooden posts with durable artistic features made from wood, stone, metal, concrete, or including planting. Features will also be installed around Liversidge Patch, a parish council-owned public space south-east of the Green. The project aims to celebrate the village's history, stories, people, and natural beauty while enhancing the village green as a central focal point.

Budget

Phase 1: £6,000 for design and research, including community consultation, client meetings, venue hire, workshops, and design fees. Phase 2: £60,000 for fabrication, delivery, installation, and continued community involvement. The two phases will be undertaken as separate contracts with a separate EOI issued for Phase 2.

Timeline

Deadline for expressions of interest: 19 August 2026. Design and community engagement phase commencing November/December 2026. Creation phase commencing October/November 2027. Project completion and installation by late Spring to early Summer 2028.

Submission Requirements

• A short statement (max. 500 words) outlining your interest in the project and initial ideas for your approach
• An outline of the consultation process, including estimated number of meetings and types of consultation events
• If a team is required for implementation, an overview of individual team member expertise
• Breakdown of the £6,000 Phase 1 budget
• Examples of previous work, particularly in public art or similar durable outdoor installations
• An indicative timescale for the project
• References from past commissioners
• Confirmation that appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance and DBS checks are in place and current

Eligibility

Applicants must have appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance and current DBS checks in place.

Next Steps

Shortlisted artists may be invited for interviews or presentations to further discuss their proposals, after which the Parish Council will apply for drawdown of Phase 2 funding.