Introduction
Claregalway is a busy historical village located close to the city of Galway, founded on the banks of the river ‘Clare’, hence the name Claregalway. A growing town, it has a population that has doubled in recent years and is currently increasing. In 2022 the Census recorded a population of 1,613. It is served well by several small businesses including a hotel, supermarket, cafes. Local interest groups include GAA, Drama, Youth Clubs, Historical Societies, Active Retirement, Tidy Towns, Comhaltas, sports amenities and schools.
Context
Claregalway is a village of historical significance with many interesting heritage sites such as Claregalway Castle, the Friary and the Nine-Arch bridge.
The nine-arch road bridge was built c.1710 but in recent times was bypassed by a newer bridge. According to buildingsofireland.ie the interesting elements of this heritage site are it’s central arch which is flanked by arches of decreasing sizes. It has coursed hammer- dressed limestone walls and parapets. Its siting is set alongside the Galway-Tuam road and it has a flight of seven steps down to the footpath.
This bridge ceased to be used in the mid-eighteenth century when the river it crossed was diverted. Restoration work was carried out to the stonework of the east elevation and carriageway in 2003. Set beside the main Galway to Tuam road, the bridge stands as a major landmark in the village of Claregalway. The footpath that is adjacent to the bridge is a walkway that is used by locals and visitors every day.
The Public Art Working Group asks that artists who apply consider the following:
Claregalway has been awarded a Per Cent for Art grant of €41,000 and a Public Art Working Group has been established as guardians and community representatives of this process.
The Public Art Working Group would like to site engaging Permanent Visual Artwork(s) close to the Nine-arch road bridge in the centre of Claregalway that will both complement and enhance this historical bridge and provide interest and engage those who live, work and visit the town. Please note that artworks may not be placed on the bridge.
The Public Art Working Group are keen to commission artwork(s) that are permanent, contemporary, inclusive, meaningful and lasting in both material and context with an awareness of the local, historical, environmental, social and cultural context of Claregalway.
The artist(s) should be willing to interact with the local community during the creative process, this can be facilitated by the Curator and Arts Office. Elements of the artwork(s) may be further developed through that engagement process. This process should be at a level that will not significantly diminish the budget for this artwork.
The Commissioning Process
The selection process will take the form of a Two Stage Open Competition. It is open to all interested professional artists or collaboratives at any stage of their career or experience who are interested in working on a commission that can reflect the considerations of the Public Art Working Group, outlined above.
Selection will be based on the information supplied by the artist(s) to establish the competence of the artist(s) to carry out this commission.
No designs or detailed proposals are required at Stage 1, the above information is to inform the applying artists of what will be expected should they be shortlisted to develop proposals.
Stage 1
Artists are invited to express their interest in being considered for this project at the first stage of this commission. Artists may do this by completing the application form and submission of a CV and images / details of recent relevant works / projects. Collaborative partnerships are also welcomed.
The closing date for receipt of Stage 1 completed application form together with supporting documentation and material is 12 midday, Monday 21st July 2025.
Stage 2
From the completed Stage 1 applications; a shortlist of artists will be selected by panel jury. This panel, whose decision is final, has the right to clarify any issue which may arise in the course of selection. A proposal development fee of €350 will be paid to the unsuccessful shortlisted artists.
A Stage 2 brief and any necessary drawings will be made available to shortlisted artists to support the development of proposals.
A site visit will take place in July / August 2025, date tbc.
Claregalway Public Art Working Group reserve the right not to proceed with any submissions received.
Selection Panel
The Selection Panel will consist of two / three members of the Public Art Working Group, two Professional Artists and will be chaired by the Curator / Project Manager.
Project Delivery Timeline
It is anticipated that the project would commence in Autumn 2025 and be completed in one year. The artist should demonstrate their ability to fulfil this timeframe. The final timeline will be agreed with the commissioned artist at contract stage.
Budget
The total budget for the project is €41,000. This includes the costs of any materials, artist’s fees, design development, RAMS documents, artists’ insurance, supply, delivery and installation, signage, travel, and any other costs incurred in the production of the artwork(s).
The artist will be responsible for meeting all of these costs out of the total budget allocated.
Site Location
The Nine Arch Road Bridge, Claregalway, County Galway, Ireland.
Site Visits
Site visits will be arranged for shortlisted artists at Stage 2 of the commissioning process.
Date will be confirmed by end of July 2025.
Drawings will also be made available, should they be requested to shortlisted artists.
Queries
Applicants can make enquiries regarding the commission to Rina Whyte, email rinawhyte@yahoo.com or by telephone + 353 87 238 9591.
Guidelines
It is recommended that you read these guidelines and supply supporting documentation and material by email to rinawhyte@yahoo.com as requested.
- Include a current CV.
- Include the best examples and reproductions of your work/working practice that best demonstrate your experience for this commission.
- Please do not send original artworks.
- Please complete the application form clearly in ink or type, incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please ensure email addresses are clearly legible.
- Please supply the following information alongside the projects you have previously worked on in your submission: budget, timeframe, date and location.
- Should you wish to apply as a collaborative, please clearly outline and credit each artist’s work in the submission. If you have not previously collaborated on a project, please outline how you intend to work together on this commission.