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Black Rock renovation offering opportunity for two local art commissions

Rachel Badham August 4, 2021

Brighton and Hove City Council is planning to commission two local artists as part of the transformation of the Black Rock site near Brighton Marina. The renovations will include expanding the local wildlife site and making adjustments to improve accessibility in the area, as well as commissioning local artists to create art installations for public display. 

All commissions must be based on the theme: ‘Black Rock and the Sea Kale: Friends with Benefits’, as the project aims to improve biodiversity in the area. There are two main categories for artists who are interested in submitting work. One is to create a series of three permanent marker sculptures, and the other is a wall design piece to create interesting sculptural finishes for the new walls that will be able to support greenery and reflect the diverse surfaces of the surrounding area and environments.  

Black Rock is well known amongst the LGBTQ+ community as the site of one of the oldest public sex environments in the city ‘The Bushes’ and whilst this has not been mentioned by BHCC we would welcome Queer artists submitting art work which reflects the long association this part of the city has had with our diverse LGBTQ+ community.  The site also encompasses the oldest naturist beach in the UK. 

Three artists will be shortlisted for each category and provided with fee of £300 to outline their approach. The winner will then receive an additional fee to create the piece. Councillor Tom Druitt, chair of the Black Rock Task Project Board, said that the art installations will “definitely inject a bit of flair to the area”, adding: “I’d like to encourage as many local artists to express their interest as possible, as these art installations have the potential to really make an impression for those visiting our Eastern Seafront.”

The deadline for submissions is Monday August 9. Online application forms for both categories can be found here.

Successful artists must be available to start work as soon as possible. So Queer creators, artists and sculptures, what are you waiting, start your engines….. 

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