BUNDORAN is to get three new pieces of public art.
A budget of €150,000 has been set aside for the works which will be placed on each of the seaside town’s roundabouts.
Details of the project are contained in a tender document inviting expressions of interest from artists.
In it Donegal County Council talks about how Bundoran has grown into one of Ireland’s most popular resorts, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
“From humble beginnings the town has evolved over the years, welcoming guests from all corners of Ireland as well as internationally,” the tender says.
To capitalise on Bundoran’s appeal as a holiday destination, Failte Ireland and the National Tourism Development Authority are making a significant investment under three different programmes – ‘Destination Town’, ‘Platforms for Growth’ and ‘Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure Scheme’.
Part of the application under the Destination Town element includes the provision of public artworks on Tullaghan Roundabout, Drumacrin Roundabout and Finner Road Roundabout.
In coming up with ideas, artists are being advised to consider themes such as ocean, surf, water, beach and marine.
“The public artworks should immediately identify the core theme of the town and that it is a seaside/beach resort where fun awaits the visitor,” the tender document continues.
“The design concept for the three public artworks should also reflect the changing attitude to the ocean and our collective responsibility to the environment.
“The materials specified for the public artworks should be considered in terms of embodied energy and recycled/reclaimed content. The materials should also be able to withstand the increasingly harsh weather conditions that our climate is experiencing.”
The pieces will be permanent features and it is anticipated that the project will commence immediately after selection. The deadline for installation is the end of September this year.
tender
The tender document adds, “Donegal County Council wishes to commission a public artwork that will reflect the vibrance and vitality of Bundoran as a destination holiday town that is especially linked to its beach/ocean natural amenities.
“The work might acknowledge the Wild Atlantic Way or other key destinations within Bundoran that have brought visitors to the town for over 200 years.”
Following their appointment the winning artist will have to organise an interactive design workshop with students from the local national school exploring the design process.
On the selection panel will be an area engineer and community development engineer from the Council as well as an elected member of the local municipal district. A local community representative, someone from Paul Doherty Architects along with Fáilte Ireland and Professional Artists officials will also help choose the winning candidate.
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