The developers of the Baywest Mall have announced an "urban art" campaign, calling on local artists to present their ideas for a 7m tall sculpture that will become a permanent feature at the R1.7bn development.
The budget for the artwork is R500 000 and the "artist or artists" who presents the winning design will walk off with a R50 000 prize to be awarded at a ceremony later this year.
Baywest says "once complete, the work will become a permanent fixture at a new traffic circle at the end of Sherwood’s Walker Drive leading to Baywest City and the mall, along the new R300m Baywest road development which also forms part of the first phase of the long-awaited Redhouse-Chelsea route."
"Local artists residing within 150km of the mall – defined as the mall’s “footfall” area where its core shoppers reside – have until the end of June to submit original designs of the works they propose creating.
Nelson Mandela Bay artist Cedric Vanderlinden is working with Baywest to coordinate the art project.
“This work needs to be unique and inspiring. It must also speak to the mall’s brand values which include a passion for fun, connecting people, inspiring energy, and innovation,” said Vanderlinden.
“The artists will be briefed on creating a modern design in line with the design vision for the mall and the entire Baywest City precinct. Additional thought should also be given to the use of cutting edge new materials, as well as the artwork’s environmental impact. Artists need to consider that the artwork would be exposed to the elements.”
The work should be visible from the road – preferably a minimum of 7m high – and constructed within a maximum, all-inclusive budget of R 500,000, he added.
A selection panel consisting of artistic and engineering professionals, as well as Baywest management, would make the final selection, Vanderlinden said.
“Construction will begin soon thereafter,” Vanderlinden said, adding that the cost of the artwork would be covered by Baywest.
“This art project speaks to our core commitment to the community, which is why the competition is open to artists living within the mall’s footfall,” said Baywest MD Gavin Blows.
“Our aim is to celebrate and profile what the Eastern Cape has to offer. As we start with the opening season of the mall, with new exciting tenants beginning to trade over the next few months, we are commencing with our ‘urban art’ campaign which will highlight the exciting and innovative talent in our community.”
