An iconic symbol of the holiday season, the Christmas Tree remains a cherished tradition rich in history and cultural significance for a lot of people. To celebrate the festive period this year, MODECE Architects, in collaboration with Fox Yard Studio, are looking to commission an artist or designer to create a unique outdoor Christmas Tree that will add some festive magic and adorn our public space in The Old Fox Yard Courtyard.

To discover more about us, please visit our website The Old Fox Yard.

Commission Fee: Up to £1000

Location: The Old Fox Yard Courtyard, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1AB

The Sponsor: MODECE Architects

The building plan of the Old Fox Yard Courtyard may be downloaded here in Pdf format.

Please submit your application form before or on Sunday, 20th October 2024.

Concept:

For the first time, we will display a Christmas Tree in The Old Fox Yard Courtyard.

The tree does not need to conform to the norm: this is the chance for an artist to unleash their inner festive creativity and to create an alternative tree, different and meaningful in its own way.

We are looking for the highest quality of design for an Artwork inspired by the concept of the Christmas Tree and its many connotations to usher in the holiday cheer in the courtyard of The Old Fox Yard.

Eligibility:

This competition is open to all artists, designers and makers based in the UK.

Hence, applicants are not required to be local but will be required to travel to the Location. 

Commission Fee:

The successful Artist will be offered £500 and an additional payment of up to £500 to cover all materials, installation and extra expenditures for the Artwork.

Project Timeline:

Deadline for applications: October 20th

Announcement date for the selected Artist: October 25th

Install date: w/c 18th November – to be completed by Wednesday 20th

Guidelines:

• Your design must be suitable for outdoors, and your proposal needs to outline the materials, size, and significance of the Artwork.

• We can supply an electrical connection. Please indicate if the design includes light and if you need a power supply.

• There is no restriction on the height or depth of the Artwork. The installation is to be designed to fit in The Old Fox Yard Courtyard and should not obstruct neighbouring businesses or public access to the yard. Details of the proposed size and position of the proposed design should be submitted with the application. The Artwork should not pose a risk to public safety. It should be sustainable, weatherproof and conform to Health & Safety requirements.

• Unless stated by the artist/designer, the artwork should be free-standing and not at risk of falling/collapse. Is support for the artwork is required from adjacent buildings, the artist/designer should clearly state what support is required.

• The Artwork must be transportable and suitable for storage. It can be in parts if necessary and the Artist must provide instructions for de-installing.

• The Artist must be present for the installation; the Artist is responsible to transport and to install the Artwork securely by the expected date.

Installation / De-installation:

• Installation will be the responsibility of the Artist. The Artwork must be installed and ready for public view by the 20th of November. The process will be supported by both MODECE Architects and Fox Yard Studio.

• The de-installation of the Artwork will be handled by the Sponsor (MODECE Architects).

• The Artwork will become the property of the Sponsor. The Sponsor will store the Christmas Tree and retain the permission to display the tree again in The Old Fox Yard Courtyard for the years to come.

• The Sponsor retains permission to use images of the installation with clearance for promotional and reporting purposes including, but not limited to website, social media and events listing. Images of the display, design drawings and mock-ups may be used on social channels, organisers’ websites and future promotional activities in The Old Fox Yard Courtyard.

Submission:

• All applicants will be required to fill in the form provided on CuratorSpace and must be fully completed by the deadline.

• Images of previous works and sketches for the design will be required.

• Applicants will also be required to provide a short description describing their vision for this project and their approach to the task, 500 words max.

• In addition to the 500 word description of the vision, applicants are encouraged to submit a vision sketch.

• Applicants should submit a cost proposal for up to £500 to cover all materials, installation and extra expenditures for the Artwork. (this is in addition to the initial £500 offered)

• The application to this competition is free of charge.

Please get in touch if you wish to work with us on this project. All proposals will remain the property of the artist and will not be disclosed publicly. We look forward to knowing your vision and reinterpretation of the Christmas Tree through your artistic lens!

- MODECE Architects & Fox Yard Studio