Art at the Shelter

Brief for Supporting Artist

We are currently applying for funding for ‘Art at the Shelter’ and are looking for expressions of interest from locally based artists, to start in January 2010 once funding is confirmed.

Aims of ‘Art at the Shelter’
Through a programme of art sessions, promote self-esteem and explore identity with homeless men and women using Wycombe Winter Night Shelter.

To support and mentor local artists in the development of their skills in working with people considered vulnerable or excluded.

Objectives

o To create a safe, welcoming, fun and inclusive environment
o To encourage participation by developing sessions that respond to suggestions from Night Shelter residents and volunteers
o To promote the confidence & self worth of participants by valuing and celebrating all work
o To encourage participants to explore their identity and tell their own stories through the art they create
o To mentor local artists through collaborative working, effective planning and good communication

Timescales
There will be 10 half-day sessions starting from mid January 2010. The sessions will run for 10 consecutive weeks until the end of March 2010. Each session will be 2.5 hours, starting at 10am.
In 2011 and 2012, there will be subsequent blocks of 10 half-day sessions again running from January-March.

The day for each session is dependent on availability of the venue and will be agreed between Lead Artist and Wycombe Museum in advance.

What we are looking for
Each year we are looking for one artist, based locally, to work alongside a Lead Artist in the delivery of ‘Art at the Shelter’. We are keen to appoint local artists who want to develop their skills in working with people considered vulnerable and/or excluded. The Lead Artist will have experience in this field and will work with you to develop your skills, acting as a mentor where and if needed.

You will be an existing practitioner willing to contribute to session development. You will bring with you skills and techniques that will enhance the sessions and may in turn develop the practice of the Lead Artist.

Development of the sessions will be through consultation with participants. Initial pre-project consultation has indicated a preference for sculpture, photography and collage. Ideally your portfolio will include work in these media.

Role of Supporting Artist
The main focus of ‘Art at the Shelter’ is to encourage participation from Shelter residents. Most residents will never have engaged in similar activities and may lack confidence in their abilities. Your role will be to support the Lead Artist in building confidence and encourage participants to try something new. ‘Art at the Shelter’ is about the process of creating art collaboratively and individually.

There will be an exhibition in 2012 of work created in ‘Art at the Shelter’. It is hoped that participants will help curate and interpret the art for this exhibition. You will work with the Lead Artist to support participants in thinking about how their art will be exhibited and the stories they want to tell.

The Lead Artist will develop the 10 sessions based on suggestions from participants and through discussion with Wycombe Museum and you as supporting artist.

Participants
In any one session you will be working with up to 20 homeless men and women, and volunteers and staff supporting them. Whilst the majority of residents to the Shelter are men aged between 18 and 60, there will also be a number of women.

Management of Art at the Shelter
‘Art at the Shelter’ is being managed by Wycombe Museum. Wycombe Museum is part of Wycombe District Council and is working in partnership with Wycombe Winter Night Shelter.

We will have two review meetings during each 10 week programme. These meetings will be with Night Shelter staff, Wycombe Museum Manager and both Artists to ensure it is meeting the needs of all involved.

Wycombe Museum will work with Wycombe District Council’s Arts Development Officer to select local artists to for the project.

Fees
For 2010 - £150 per half-day session
For 2011 - £157.50 per half-day session
For 2012 - £165.50 per half-day session
These fees will include preparatory discussions with the lead Artist. They also include two review meetings during each year’s programme of sessions.

Materials will be provided by the Lead Artist

Criminal Records Bureau Check
You should hold a valid Criminal Records Bureau check or be prepared to obtain one through Wycombe District Council (we can administer this process if necessary).

Insurance
You should hold Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Location
Each session will take place in ‘The Hub’, Easton Street, High Wycombe.

How to Express Interest
o Send a proposal of how you will respond to this project brief
o Brief statement describing previous work and how ‘Art at the Shelter’ will support your practice
o Images of recent work- no more than 5 please in jpeg by e-mail or printed copies if responding by post

Send these before 7 December 2009, by e-mail to zara_luxford@wycombe.gov.uk or if you prefer, by post, to:
Zara Luxford
Wycombe Museum
Priory Avenue
High Wycombe
HP13 6PX
Art at the Shelter - Brief for Supporting Artists.doc