Art project winner to be revealed Major £2m sculpture to be created besides city’s high speed railway station
THE winner of a major competition to design an ‘iconic’ modern sculpture for Birmingham will be revealed within weeks.
The aim of the £2 million Big Art Project is to create a piece that may one day become as famous as The Angel of the North.
Five creations were shortlisted last year, with the winning artist to be announced in a special ceremony at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on April 18.
The most controversial entry depicts what appears to be a train crash – a piece that if it wins would stand in Eastside City Park near the proposed HS2 Curzon Street Station.
Renowned Birmingham-born artist Roger Hiorns’ entry, called As Yet Untitled, symbolises “the shaping of our sexual identities” but depicts locomotives and engines smashed up on on their sides.
Other contenders for the commission include Small Giants by Brian Griffiths – a giant golden decorated ring plus a series of pieces of jewellery made in the Jewellery Quarter which can be worn by the people of Birmingham.
Station Clock by Susan Philipsz, is a singing clock with 12 Brummies recorded singing notes for every hour.
Blueprint for Happiness by Heather and Ivan Morison boasts colliding golden cubes, while Industrial Revolution by Keith Wilson is a slowly moving sculpture.
The money for the project will be raised from individual and corporate donors and an £80,000 Arts Council grant.
This week the project appointed a professional fundraising consultant to raise the cash.
Caroline Taylor has more than 15 years experience in fundraising for the cultural sector and specialises in working with heritage projects and museums.
Ms Taylor has raised significant funds for capital projects, including the Black Country Living Museum and Birmingham Conservation Trust. She said: “The Birmingham Big Art Project is hugely exciting for the city because it will create a permanent artwork that will enhance Eastside City Park and I’m thrilled to be part of it. “The depth and breadth of talented artists who have submitted their designs is testament to the impact that this cultural project will have on the landscape and it will be interesting to see the chosen artwork’s impact on the region- al economy. This is a great opportunity for the people of Birmingham to stand up and do something great for their city and be a part of something truly inspiring.”
Glyn Pitchford, chairman of Birmingham Big Art Project, said: “Caroline will be a real asset to the Birmingham Big Art Project team and we’re confident she will successfully deliver the fundraising aspect of this project.
“Our vision to build a high impact, thought-provoking permanent artwork has received tremendous support over the past two years. With Caroline’s help, we believe we will soon be on track to reach our target of £2 million.”
She will be supported by the existing Birmingham Big Art Project steering group team.