A competition to create a new sculpture for Kingston town centre as part of a new artistic trail has been announced.

Groups including the Canbury Community Trust and authorities such as Kingston Council (RBK), Kingston University (KU) and Kingston First are helping promote the competition as part of the Sculpture Trail project that opens in Kingston town centre this summer, and are offering £10,000 to the winning artist.

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite sculpture from a shortlist of some of the strongest designs, and the winner will see their work become a permanent artwork in the town centre.

Their sculpture will join a number of other renowned artworks in the town including David Mach's iconic red pillar box Out of Order (1989) and Carole Hodgson FRSS’s wall-based sculpture in the underground car park (1986) that will also form part of the new trail.

"Kingston Sculpture Trail seeks to reinforce and add to its public artworks legacy by siting six contemporary artworks, selected from a national competition," Paul Stafford, elected member of The Royal Society of Sculptors and Honorary Fellow of KU, said.

"Kingston residents and the local community will be invited to vote for their favourite artwork, which will be permanently sited in the town for everyone to enjoy," he added.

RBK's Councillor Rebekah Moll, the portfolio holder for culture described the competition as an "exciting, rare and unique opportunity"and said supporters "hope that a lot of local artists will submit entries" for consideration.

In a preamble for prospective artists released by Kingston First, a number of criteria for those hoping to make the shortlist were published, including:

  • Evidence of artistic originality, merit and the quality of your practice and ability to deliver the project.
  • Evidence of the relevance and suitability of artist's work to the town centre and adjacent riverside landscapes.
  • A willingness to actively engage with the public at all age levels, in relation to their artwork. This may, for example, include workshops and artists talks.
  • An ability to produce a plan for installation, understanding that sculptures/artworks will be free standing, wall based or created in situ
  • A willingness to engage in any PR related activity to promote the project at all stages, including personal attendance at a potential high profile launch event

Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First said:

"This exciting, collaborative project builds on our shared vision for Kingston town centre’s streets and spaces, bringing new artwork to the public realm.

"This is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their work, and for visitors to discover a wealth of public art, both old and new, in our town centre."

Click here for more information and details on how to enter.