Location: Strokestown, Co. Roscommon
Budget: €55,000
Stage 1 Submission Deadline: 5pm on 7 April 2025
Introduction
Strokestown, a heritage town with a rich history and architectural significance, is set to undergo revitalisation with funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). The project will enhance the public space in the town centre, improving walkability and offering spaces for gathering, events, and interaction. The vision for the town includes integrating Strokestown Park House and Gardens, home to the National Famine Museum, into the town’s core.
This commission for a permanent sculpture invites artists to propose designs that respond to the town’s history, its community, and its place in Ireland’s cultural landscape. The work should aim to spark curiosity, encourage public interaction, and align with the project’s broader goal of creating a welcoming and accessible town centre. The commission also invites opportunities for community dialogue, with local representatives from various groups joining the assessment panel.
The commission
We invite professional and innovative artists to submit proposals for a permanent outdoor artwork that responds to the public space and the town’s rich history. The design should reflect Strokestown’s architectural heritage while incorporating contemporary artistic elements
Artists are encouraged to explore themes related to the town’s identity, its historical significance, and the connection between Strokestown’s past and its future. Proposed works should be tactile, encouraging interaction, and must be made from materials suitable for permanent exhibition outdoors. The artwork must be low-maintenance, safe, and durable.
Budget
The total budget for the commission is €55,000, inclusive of VAT. This budget covers all aspects of the project, including artist fees, travel, research, materials, design, fabrication, site preparation, installation, lighting, and insurance. The artist will be responsible for managing the budget and ensuring that the project is delivered on time and within financial constraints.
Submission process
This open competition follows a two-stage process. Stage 1 invites artists to submit their portfolios and initial design concepts. Shortlisted artists will be invited to Stage 2, where they will further develop their proposals.
Stage 1: Submission Requirements
- CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Documentation of previous work (3-5 examples with descriptions, photographs, and links if relevant)
- Artistic Design/Concept (up to 2000 words, 3 images)
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- 50%: Previous experience of similar projects/commissions
- 50%: Quality of artistic design/concept
Stage 2: Shortlisting and Design Development
Up to three shortlisted artists will be invited to develop their proposals. Stage 2 submissions will include:
- Detailed design specifications and rationale
- Method statement, including team, subcontractors, materials, and fabrication plan
- Itemised budget breakdown
- Programme for delivery, including collaboration with the community and consultation with the contracting authority.
About Strokestown
Strokestown is a charming town with fewer than 1,000 residents. A designated Heritage Town, Strokestown boasts a unique architectural plan and is home to the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park House, and a thriving cultural scene. The town’s distinct streetscape, notably its second-widest street in Ireland, offers a rich backdrop for artistic interpretation.
The town is steeped in history, with connections to the Mahon family and a 17th-century establishment that shaped its layout. Strokestown’s proximity to key historical sites and its ongoing cultural events, such as the Strokestown International Poetry Festival, make it an ideal location for a public artwork that will resonate with both locals and visitors.
Queries
For further information or any queries, please contact Mary Smyth at msmyth@roscommoncoco.ie or artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie. All queries must be submitted by Monday, 24 March 2025.
Full details of the Open Call can be found on the Roscommon County Council website.