New public art work at The Minster

The Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth, has announced a new and exciting commission, entitled ‘Vision for the Pillars’, to achieve the creation of an iconic work of art for the city of Plymouth.

In November 2012 a team from St Andrew’s won first prize in a national competition, sponsored by the Jerusalem Trust, awarded for the best developed proposal for commissioning a new work of art for their church. After a further two years of consolidation and fund raising, and with continued support from within the city, diocese and art circles, the Art Commissioning Group is now moving forward towards the commission by calling for Expressions of Interest from artists.

Prospective artists are asked to come up with designs for an architectural site-specific public artwork to adorn the existing pillars at the entrance to the thoroughfare and public open space that link the city to the minster. They should recognise the unique position of St Andrew’s as the Minster church of Plymouth, reflecting on the link between the heritage of the minster and the city and aspire to strengthen and develop that link. They are encouraged to investigate any number of creative and material approaches offered by the site, considering the use of one or more elements: sculpture; metalwork; glass; stonework; lighting etc.

Selection will be by a two stage process leading to the appointment of the commissioned artist by May 2015. The aim is to complete the commission and launch the art work in November 2015.

Dominic Jinks, Director of the Plymouth Culture Board, has endorsed the project saying, “I am delighted to be involved in this exciting development which aligns perfectly with the emerging public art strategy for the city”.

Jodie Bishop, the city council’s public art officer, said the site was a key city centre location. “I am excited about the opportunity to commission a well thought-out and fantastic piece of public art which could become an iconic feature in our landscape,” she said.
Further information at www.artattheminster.org or from the ACG Secretary