Search is on for artist to create Joe Orton statue
THE search for an artist to design and produce a statue of legendary Leicester playwright Joe Orton has been launched.
A high profile crowdfunding campaign received celebrity backing and donations from Sir Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, Sir Matthew Bourne, the Pet Shop Boys, Alison Steadman, Kenneth Cranham and Sheila Hancock, among others.
Recently, the Joe Orton Statue Appeal CIC (Community Interest Company) invited artists to develop a permanent work of three-dimensional public art to memorialise Joe Orton in Leicester’s Orton Square, outside Curve.
The desire is to make the Joe Orton statue a “destination artwork” and one which enhances the resident and visitor experience of the square.
Leonie Orton, sister of the late playwright and administrator of the Joe Orton Estate, said: “I hope that the statue will become a memorable and exciting addition to Leicester’s cultural landscape that raises awareness whilst celebrating his life, work and legacy.
“It is not a statue that people should be in awe of, rather something they want to interact with and associate with.”
The statue will be the first of a selfidentified working-class homosexual man in Britain.
Tanya Brittain, CEO of the Public Monuments and Statues Association,said: “PMSA is always happy to support the commissioning of quality works of public sculpture. The Joe Orton Statue campaign has, from its very conception, attracted public attention and provoked lively discussion.
“There are figurative bronzes in city centres all over the world reminding us how society has changed in a relatively short space of time.
“I really hope the finished artwork will educate, enlighten and invite cultural evolution – which is exactly what public sculpture should do.”
Artists are asked to submit Expressions of Interest by May 31, which includes their CV and examples of their previous work, a covering letter stating why they are interested on how their design fulfils the brief along with a visual interpretation of their proposed design.