Public Art Commission

Loughborough University is commissioning a public artwork to mark the entrance to the new halls of residence complex – and artists from across the globe are invited to submit their ideas.

The new development on campus is being named after Claudia Parsons, a pioneering engineer, intrepid traveller, and author.

She was one of the very first women in England to graduate in Automotive Engineering and later became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by car.

Located near the University’s new Elite Athlete Centre and Hotel, the ‘Claudia Parson’s Hall’ will welcome its first full cohort of students in September 2019.

Artists are invited to submit ideas for a public art piece that will be located on the main entrance route to the halls.

It will be seen by thousands of students and visitors and the work could have a functional role, whether that is some form of structure or seating; or it could act as a beacon or a form of way-marking.

The artwork could act as an information point or a place of rest or contemplation. Alternatively, it could simply be an interesting sculptural work that sets itself apart from the environment that surrounds it and in this way becomes a recognisable focal point for users of the area.

There is an overall budget of £20,000 for the commission, which is being overseen by the University’s arts programme LU Arts. There is additional funding to support any foundations and fixings that might be required.

Following the deadline, a shortlist of artists will be announced and these creatives will be paid a fee to prepare worked-up proposals from which a final artist will be selected.

The public art piece is expected to be unveiled in June 2019.

For more information on how to submit an expression of interest and the full project brief, visit the webpage.