commission of memorial artwork: constable hyde memorial garden
TRANSCRIPT
Artist Brief Commission of memorial artwork: Constable Hyde Memorial Garden
The City of Burnside is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced South Australian based
artists / artist teams to create a memorial artwork for Constable Hyde Memorial Garden.
Expressions of Interest will be open from Tuesday 4 February 2020 and close at 5pm on Friday 21
February 2020.
Submit EOIs via email to [email protected]
BACKGROUND
The City of Burnside is one of Adelaide's oldest residential areas, and is well known for its tree lined
streets, period architecture and plentiful reserves and gardens within its 30 km² area.
Located in the South Eastern corner of Adelaide and just 10 minutes from the Central Business
District, the City of Burnside covers 28 suburbs and has a residential population of 42,000 people. It
offers a wide range of community facilities and a diverse mix of shopping and retail outlets, along
with many parks and reserves.
Constable Hyde Memorial Garden is a reserve in the City of Burnside which was named after
Constable William Hyde, who was killed nearby in the line of duty in 1909. The reserve has recently
been redeveloped to create a playground and large lawn area at the southern end, and a plaza area
with trees, paving and lawn areas at the northern end, along with retaining an existing memorial
tree and plaque.
The City of Burnside is seeking expressions of interest from artists to develop a memorial artwork to
commemorate and acknowledge Constable Hyde. This artwork will be placed in the northern plaza
area, near the memorial tree which was planted in 1981.
The Burnside community, the SA Police Historical Society and the Burnside Historical Society have
been consulted throughout the redevelopment project, including in providing design suggestions
and increasing historical knowledge of Constable Hyde.
CONSTABLE WILLIAM HYDE
Constable William Hyde was a police officer based at the Marryatville Police Station. On a hot
January night in 1909 he attempted to apprehend three men who he had suspicions were going to
rob the tramways office. A chase ensued, which ended when the weapon-less Constable Hyde was
shot by one of the men. All three men fled and were never caught. Despite prompt assistance from
local residents, Constable Hyde died a few days later in hospital from his injuries. He was a popular
member of the community and a keen sportsman, attested to by the 12,000 – 15,000 people who
lined the streets for his funeral.
The State Government opened Constable Hyde Memorial Garden in 1981, across the road from the
site of the shooting. After maintaining the site since the 1980s, the City of Burnside purchased the
land in 2017 and redeveloped it into a more user-friendly space which has proven popular with the
community. Honouring Constable Hyde and sharing his story with the community is an important
part of the redevelopment project.
Attachment A contains information about Constable Hyde, including newspaper articles from the
time of his death.
SCOPE / THE ARTWORK
The City of Burnside has been motivated to commission a memorial artwork to commemorate
Constable William Hyde, and to encourage the community to learn more about his life. Despite his
contribution to society, it appears that few people today are aware of the person that the park was
named after. In addition, the City of Burnside has very little public art, and believes this to be a good
opportunity to improve this.
It is intended that the artwork take the form of a commemorative sculpture, however the medium
and style is flexible. The artwork could be a standalone sculptural work or a functional sculptural
piece, i.e. seating. The City of Burnside is open to receiving feedback from artists about different
ways to pursue the goal of a memorial artwork in keeping with the location and the need to
commemorate Constable William Hyde.
The artwork must be suitable for the surrounding park, taking into account size, scale, colour,
materials and design.
It is intended that the artwork be a permanent sculpture and so should be constructed to suit a long
lifespan of many years, with durable materials. It should consider vandalism and be vandal resistant
and easy to maintain.
Due to the park’s location near an arterial road, the artwork must not have flashing lights that may
distract motorists. However, a small amount of lighting (e.g. up-lighting) may be possible if the artist
desires.
The artwork must also be safe for members of the public, who range from young children to older
residents to those with mobility aids or in wheelchairs.
The artist is required to develop the artwork in a safe manner which meets engineering
requirements in terms of installation. The engineering installation instructions are to be organised by
the artist. The artist will work closely with the project manager from the City of Burnside when
discussing installation and ensuring safety of members of the public.
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
Ongoing communication is required with the City of Burnside project manager throughout the
design, development and installation stages.
Extensive community consultation was conducted in 2017 on the future of the park, and the
completed space reflects this. The artist is not required to undertake consultation with the
community. However, if they would like to speak to the president of the SA Police Historical Society
or other key members involved with the project, the project manager can arrange this.
SITE
The completed artwork is to be installed at Constable Hyde Memorial Garden, 250 Kensington Road,
Leabrook.
Within the newly redeveloped park a space has been left for the artwork in the plaza area, as shown
on the map below. The available space measures approximately 2.5m x 8m, however the artwork is
not required to fill the space. The surface is currently permeable pavers, however a concrete slab
can be installed prior to the artwork’s installation if required.
The site attracts a large number of people; both those passing through, and those who come to the
park specifically to enjoy the space. Families and children spend time at the playground; older
residents walk through the park and sit and relax there; staff from neighbouring businesses enjoy
their lunchbreaks in the park; and visitors to the neighbouring health centre pass through the space.
Room must be allowed so that people can safely walk or use a wheelchair / walking frame past the
artwork on the paved section.
There are a number of significant trees in the reserve, so care will need to be taken to ensure that no
damage occurs to any of these or to the surrounding permeable paving, particularly if a crane or
heavy vehicles are required to install the artwork.
During installation of the artwork the reserve will be closed to members of the public.
Northern plaza end
Location map
BUDGET
For the concept design stage, up to three artists/artist teams will each be paid $900 plus GST to
develop the concept design.
One successful artist/artist team will then be selected, and they will be granted $30,000 to develop
the memorial artwork*. The artist must incorporate all elements involved with the artwork creation
into this budget, including:
Materials
Engineering
Fabrication
Installation (including crane hire if required)
Lighting & installation of electrical wiring (if required)
Artist’s fee
The City of Burnside will provide:
In-kind support in laying a concrete slab to engineer requirements for the artwork to sit
upon
Fabrication & installation of artist acknowledgment plaque.
*The development of the artwork will be subject to Council being successful in applying for a grant
and also approving its budget for 2020/21. Decisions on both funding sources will occur in June 2020.
The following options exist:
External grant application is approved / Council budget is approved: artist will be granted
$30,000 for the artwork and will commence in 2020/21.
External grant application is not approved / Council budget is approved: artist will be granted
$15,000 for the artwork. This may require the proposed artwork to be redesigned.
External grant application is not approved / Council budget is not approved: project will be
put on hold until funding can be secured in future years.
The project manager will be in regular contact with the artist to discuss the status of the budget.
MANAGEMENT
The City of Burnside has a Project Manager who has overseen the redevelopment of the park. This
Project Manager will manage the artwork project, and will be the key point of contact for all artist
enquiries. The City of Burnside Project Manager will liaise with other internal staff, members of the
public, the SA Police Historical Society and the Burnside Historical Society. The Project Manager is
able to arrange meetings between the artist and required stakeholders as required.
COMMISSIONING PROCESS
Stage 1 – Expressions of Interest
The Artist Brief will be distributed directly to artists on the Pepper Street Arts Centre database and
through Arts SA, and will also be promoted in the Eastern Courier newspaper. Any South Australian-
based artist is able to apply for the project. Those with a knowledge of the City of Burnside area will
be viewed favourably, however this is not essential.
Artists with limited experience who would like the opportunity and challenge to work on a project of
this scale and nature would be strongly urged to team up with other more experienced artists who
have the demonstrated experience working in this space to be mentored through the process in
order for success.
Interested artists are required to submit the following by no later than 21 February 2020:
Resume, including names and contact details of two professional referees
Cover letter indicating availability to meet the project timeframes
Up to 10 images of relevant previous work (including a written description of images
indicating materials, dimensions, location, indicative budget, commissioner and
collaborative partners as relevant)
Current insurance and relevant construction certificates / qualification details.
The selection panel will assess all applications based on the following guided criteria:
Experience
o Previous experience in designing and constructing a large sculpture / artwork
o High quality and robust artistic integrity
o Understanding of cultural and historical figure Constable William Hyde
Cost
o Experience in developing artworks to similar budget
Other criteria
o South Australian based artist/artist team
o Provides required documents as listed above.
Please note that concept designs are not required at this stage.
Expressions of interest will be assessed by the selection panel. All decisions are at the discretion of
the Council.
Stage 2 – Concept Design
Up to three artists will be short-listed and will be required to develop a concept design proposal,
which should include:
A written concept paper explaining the concept and artistic approach;
Drawings, sketches, digital representation, elevations, etc. as necessary to fully convey the
concept. This work is to be presented in a professional and artistic manner;
A site plan showing the location of the proposed artwork / elements;
Proposed budget for the design development stage and an indicative project implementation budget, including contingencies, artist fees, engineering advice, delivery and installation expenditure;
Information relating to durability, ongoing maintenance and cleaning requirements, environmental impact
Risk assessment which considers public safety;
Proposed timeline showing key milestones.
The artists may be requested to present their concept design in person to the selection panel and
answer any queries.
The design submitted remains the intellectual property of the artist.
The selection panel will assess all applications based on the following:
Cost
o Value for money
o Demonstrated understanding that $30k includes materials, engineering, fabrication,
installation, artist fee
Environmental
o Made of materials which consider durability / maintenance / environmental impact
Aesthetic appeal
o Suitable scale, materials, colours for space
o Aesthetically pleasing
o Complementary to the reserve
Other criteria
o Provision of concept paper, drawings, site plan, risk assessment, timeline showing milestones
o Commemorates Constable William Hyde appropriately and helps community learn
more about his life
o Commemorative sculpture (can be sculpture or functional)
o Size – 2.5m x 8m maximum
o Suitable materials – durable, vandal resistant, easy to maintain
o Permanent – long lifespan
o No flashing lights or distractions for motorists
o Safe & inclusive for members of public, ranging from young children to older
residents with mobility aids / wheelchairs
o Clear access for pedestrians
The evaluation criteria will be used as a guide to select one artist/artist team to develop the final memorial artwork. All decisions are at the discretion of the Council.
Stage 3 – Commissioning, fabrication and installation
The successful artist will create the artwork from July to December 2020, unless otherwise
negotiated with the City of Burnside.
TIMELINE
The following timeframes may be adjusted. Artists will be notified if this occurs.
Event Date
Expressions of interest open 4 February 2020
Expressions of interest close 5pm, 21 February 2020
Stage 1 evaluation by selection panel Late February 2020
Up to 3 shortlisted artists advised of progression to Stage 2 Concept Design
28 February 2020
Artists to develop concept design proposals 2 – 27 March 2020
Site visit for artists 2 – 6 March 2020
Stage 2 evaluation of concept design. Presentation by artists TBC
30 March – 3 Apr 2020
Final artist appointed April 2020
Application to Arts SA Public Art and Design Commission for funding
April – June 2020
Council budget approved June 2020
Artist commences work July 2020
Artist completes and installs work December 2020 (can be negotiated)
12 month defects liability period December 2021
FURTHER INFORMATION
For background on Constable William Hyde, please read Attachment A.
For further information, please contact the Procurement Team:
Ph. 8366 4200
EOIs are to be emailed to [email protected] by 5pm, Friday 21 February 2020.