The Big Hoot Local Art Commission In the summer of 2015 over 100 stunningly decorated owls will be taking up perch right across Birmingham to create a city-wide public art event produced by Wild in Art. The owl sculptures will then come together in a central location during Birmingham Heritage Week (September 2015) for a final celebration and farewell, before being auctioned to raise funds for Birmingham Children s Hospital. In order to support residents involvement in the Big Hoot, Birmingham City Council Culture Commissioning Service will support a range of participatory arts projects to transform blank, giant, owl sculptures into imaginative, individual characters that celebrate and explore the cultural heritage of Birmingham s residents. Through this opportunity we want to make a difference to the lives of Birmingham residents by providing access to high quality cultural activities in specific neighbourhoods. Who can apply? We have identified that there are some neighbourhoods where residents have reduced access to high quality cultural activities. We would like to invite communities in these areas to get involved in this unique opportunity and creatively show everyone something special about their culture. We are seeking applications from partnerships between artists/arts organisations and resident/community associations/groups working in the following priority neighbourhoods of Birmingham (please see the attached maps). Birchfield (PN4) Bordesley Green (PN5) Erdington Cluster 1 (C1) Kingstanding Central (PN13) Lozells (PN14) North Nechells, Bloomsbury and Duddeston (PN15) North Yardley (PN7) Richmond and Bierton Road (PN16) Soho Finger and Gib Heath (PN20) Ward End and Pelham (PN24) Winson Green, Brookfields and West Summerfield (PN25) 1
Please note that the applicant (lead organisation) must be a constituted not-for-profit arts or community organisation that has been running for at least one year. What are we looking to support? We are seeking applications for participatory arts activities which will explore, celebrate and share the cultural heritage of Birmingham s residents through the decoration of giant Big Hoot owl sculptures. Examples of this could include; famous people, places and happenings migration community and common identity pride in the city The proposed activity must be led by professional artists and engage Birmingham residents as participants, creators and leaders. By professional artists we mean artists who can clearly show a history of high quality paid work in their particular artform, have arts qualifications or equivalent experience and can provide a CV, references and examples of previous paid projects. Projects must be completed by the 12 th June 2015. Locating the decorated owl sculptures You will need to think about where your project s Big Hoot owl sculpture might be located. In order to keep the sculpture local and accessible it must be located outside and within walking distance of the neighbourhood you have selected. We are also keen to encourage families and communities to be active so you might want to think about linking with local parks, walking and cycling routes. Sculptures will be installed to form Big Hoot Public Art Trails across Birmingham between July and September 2015. How much funding is available? Between 1,000 and 5,000 is available towards one project in each of the following neighbourhoods of Birmingham (please see the attached maps). Birchfield (PN4) Bordesley Green (PN5) Erdington Cluster 1 (C1) Kingstanding Central (PN13) 2
Lozells (PN14) North Nechells, Bloomsbury and Duddeston (PN15) North Yardley (PN7) Richmond and Bierton Road (PN16) Soho Finger and Gib Heath (PN20) Ward End and Pelham (PN24) Winson Green, Brookfields and West Summerfield (PN25) Your application to us must include a minimum of 1,500 (cash) from other sources to cover the cost of the sculpture and its concrete plinth. If you re interested get in touch If you are interested in this opportunity you must contact Julie or Lydia as soon as possible. We will provide you with further information; support you in developing your project and completing an application form. With our support you will need to have your ideas and partnerships in place and your project developed into an application by the end of Monday 16 th February 2015. Telephone: 0121 303 2434 Email: Art.grants@birmingham.gov.uk The Big Hoot Community Commission Birmingham City Council Culture Commissioning Service Glynwed Offices Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH Please note: We can only support one project in each of the identified neighbourhoods and encourage people to work together in partnership to avoid competition. 3
Questions? Why are you only supporting projects taking part in certain areas of Birmingham? Through this opportunity we want to make a difference to the lives of Birmingham residents by providing access to high quality cultural activities in neighbourhoods. Evidence shows us that residents living in these neighbourhoods have reduced access to high quality cultural activities. This might be for a number of reasons including; low income, language barriers, lack of local facilities, lack of free time, perception of arts & culture, lack of public transport and issues of distance. Why do applicants have to find a minimum of 1,500 (cash) from other sources (not Birmingham City Council)? We cannot support fundraising activities, events, prizes or the purchase of capital items and equipment. The 1,500 from other sources covers the cost of a blank large community owl sculpture and its concrete plinth. Your organisation may need to make an application to other funding bodies or contact local businesses/potential sponsors to support this element of your project. Contact Julie or Lydia for support T:0121 303 2434. How will we know if someone else is planning a project in the same area? Resident/community associations and groups cover particular neighbourhoods. As a partnership (artist/arts organisation and resident/community association/group) you may be aware of other project ideas being developed in the neighbourhood. We can only support one project in each of the identified neighbourhoods and encourage people to work together in partnership to avoid competition; there can be multiple partners involved in a project. Who are my Local Arts Forum and how do I contact them? There are ten Local Arts Fora across Birmingham; one for each District. Each Local Arts Forum has public meetings where ideas can be shared, discussed and developed; these are arranged by a co-ordinator who also manages social media and online presence for the forum. For more information visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/localarts How can schools get involved? Integral to the main event will be a major education programme, open to all Birmingham s schools. There are two Big Hoot School Packages available for students and teachers to decorate smaller owlet sculptures (90cm tall). For more information visit www.thebighoot.co.uk/schools For more information about The Big Hoot visit www.thebighoot.co.uk 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12