Wokingham

In 2020 Wokingham Borough Council consulted with the local community on an Arts & Culture Strategy to create an ambitious vision for the area -

By 2030 Wokingham Borough will be recognised regionally and nationally as a dynamic cultural hub, a Borough of surprises that delight across all our towns and villages, a Borough where everyone can access or get involved in creating high quality cultural experiences and where creativity is nurtured across all age-groups.

As part of this ambitious vision the Borough Council has brought together an Arts & Culture Alliance made up of key representatives from the Council, artistic and cultural groups and the community.

A new charitable organisation, Arts4Wokingham (A4W), has been set up to enable its objectives and one of those is to see more public art delivered across the Borough. A4W will be the commissioner and, working in partnership with the Borough Council, is looking for opportunities to progress ideas and select artists for this significant work.

The Carnival Hub

In spring 2020 the council started construction on the new flagship Carnival Hub complex in Wokingham town centre which is due to open in Autumn 2022. Sitting to the south of Wokingham town centre and the Elms Field park, the site was formerly the location for the town’s annual Carnival festivities. The complex will include new apartments, and incorporate an existing bowling alley and a multi-storey carpark. However, at its heart will be a brand-new building, The Carnival Hub to be dedicated to the arts and leisure as part of the Borough’s regeneration. The Hub will contain a library, a multi-use performance and sports hall and a range of swimming pools, as well as a café and studio spaces. This building is due to be complete by August 2022

Design Vision

The vision is to create a major, permanent, free-standing artwork for Wokingham, located outside at the main entrance of The Carnival Hub, that will symbolise the newly regenerated Town and Borough and act as a significant and exciting landmark. This must enhance the experience of those visiting The Carnival Hub but should create a destination in its own right. A4W is not tied to something representing the history or end use of the site and is particularly keen to consider contemporary designs.

Budget

For the installed artwork there is a budget of up to £200,000. This will be funded by public subscription sponsorship and grants. The budget is to include the artist’s fee involved in designing and creating the work, the material and installation costs and VAT where applicable.

Commissioning Panel

Decisions on shortlisting and selection of final artist will be made by Arts4Wokingham.

Arts4Wokingham reserves the right to not proceed with any submissions received.

Community Engagement

The artwork should be developed with a range of inclusive community groups and representatives, with opportunities throughout the commission for workshops and activities inspired by the artist’s work and practice. The chosen artist should work with our community to gather and share ideas and inspiration.