[spectre] Virtual Art Commission

[Tom Holley]

NEW COMMISSION -- INVITATION TO TENDER

The Northern Way Virtual Gateway Commission

The Northern Way, working with Arts Council England to deliver the ?10m
'Welcome to the North' public art programme, wishes to commission a
truly innovative and or original virtual artwork 'Gateway to the North'.

Tenders are invited from organisations seeking to work with a named
artist(s), individual artists or collaborating artists for this major
commission.

The emphasis of this new commission will be on its virtual long-term
presence, although it can also include physical manifestations that make
a link between the real and virtual, and is open to a range of artforms
and media including: sound, software art, blogging, performance and
events, online worlds and mapping systems eg Second Life, GoogleEarth.

The proposals will need to include a web-based accessible platform and
applicants are also welcome to consider the use of a number of other
distribution and presentation platforms such as podcasts and videocasts;
CD and DVD; mobile phones and locative media.

The commission will:
Make connections across the three UK Northern regions
Reference and conceptualise the North through its geographical, social,
cultural and economic landscapes
Provide an opportunity for all users to engage with the commission
Provide a platform which is accessible to local, regional, national and
international audiences
Represent or consider the North in all its diversity.
The proposal will also need to include a detailed education programme,
evaluation programme and PR/marketing.
The commission must be completed no later than the end of March 2008.

+ The commission is open to artists in the UK and beyond. +

Full details and specifications are available from:
Kath Savage on 01924 486 212 or kath.savage at artscouncil.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is 14 September 2007, 12 noon.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview to present their
proposals.

The Northern Way a unique collaboration of regions and cities from
across the North of England, led by the three Northern Regional
Development Agencies: Yorkshire Forward, Northwest Regional Development
Agency and One NorthEast.

More information about Arts Council England and the Northern Way can be
found at www.artscouncil.org.uk and www.thenorthernway.co.uk