Artist Commission: GoodGame Project
About GoodGame
GoodGame is a new project by Birmingham & Black Country-based arts and heritage organisation Ampersand Projects. Together with three artists, they will research and demonstrate the positive impact of games as a way to engage people with culture, to address social issues and explore and take ownership over public spaces.
© Anna Horton-Cremin
Artists Anna Horton-Cremin (Manchester, UK) and Gizzago (Liverpool, UK), alongside the commissioned artist, will work with communities in Smethwick and Bearwood in The Black Country, to draw out the unique identity of their area alongside people who live and work there. Workshops will take place with residents and community groups held in indoor and outdoor community spaces, as a way of bringing people together in new and unexpected ways.
The artists will create unique games with participants for each place, which can be shared and used by the community following the project.
GoodGame is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and The Big Lottery Fund’s Awards For All.
The Commission
Ampersand Projects are seeking an emerging/ early career artist to develop new work as part of the project, working alongside Ampersand Projects, Anna Horton-Cremin and Gizzago to develop participatory activities and artworks. We are seeking an artist that is based in The Black Country or Birmingham that is at the early stages of their artistic career (less than three years). This is an ideal opportunity to explore new ways of working with communities on a research-in-action project.
The commission is for a fixed freelance fee of £1200 (inclusive of VAT), which equates to 8 days during March and April 2018.
A separate budget of £500 is available for materials and the development of new artworks. The artist will receive production and marketing support from Ampersand Projects.
Person Specification
We're looking for an artist who:
- Has an artistic practice that is participatory in nature and have a passion for working with diverse communities in The Black Country;
- Has an active interest in using digital and non-digital games as part of their practice;
- Is open to working collaboratively with other artists and comfortable working to an agreed budget and timescale;
- Has the ability to support in the documentation and sharing of the project outcomes and research;
- Has good general availability between the beginning of March and the end of April and is willing to take part in activities that take place on weekends;
- Is responsible for their own transport, insurance and tax. Ampersand Projects may require you to hold a current DBS certificate.
Applying
To apply, please submit:
1. An expression of interest detailing:
- Your interest in the commission and how it could benefit the development of your artistic practice;
- Particular areas of intersection between games and art you would like to explore
- Previous work or projects you have been involved with that relate to the commission
This should be no longer than 500 words but please feel free to include 1-3 images.
2. A link to your website or artist portfolio.
3. Your CV.
Please email the above in PDF or Word format by Friday 2nd March 5pm to Matt Andrews matt.andrews@ampersandprojects.org.
If you have any questions, please get in touch!
Accessibility
We realise that written forms aren't great for everyone. If you would prefer to apply via a phone conversation, please email the above address to arrange.
GoodGame and this artist commission have been made possible through funding from:
