Please click on the link for the brief to read all the necessary information, including context about Scarborough Spa, management and contacts, fee, practicalities, and proposed timescale. Scarborough 400 In 2026 Scarborough will celebrate its 400-year anniversary since its official designation as a spa town. North Yorkshire Council wishes to invite expressions of interest from artists for a new heritage installation to celebrate and commemorate this anniversary. This installation will be situated in the vicinity of the Scarborough Spa complex. The Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity for a new, site-specific artwork to reference and celebrate Scarborough's history as a spa town. The work is intended to be a permanent outdoor installation at the Spa site. The work should be bold and thought-provoking, strongly inspired by the spa, its function, and the health and wellness history surrounding it. We would like the commission to be a bold statement on the importance and historic significance of the spa and its history, to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come. Part of the original Victorian Spa water pumps still exist but are underground and located under a traffic roundabout near the Spa. It is not possible to open these up to the public, but these features could be referenced and reflected in the installation. We would like the artist to include some element of community engagement in the development of the installation. Fees, Budgets and contracts The artist fee for this commission is £95k, which will include all fees, studio time, travel and expenses. This fee also needs to include technical realisation of the installation i.e. equipment, installation. (This budget does not include requirements such as stewarding, road closures etc. Marketing, comms and evaluation are also not included in this budget but will be supported by North Yorkshire Council.) The artist will be commissioned by and contracted to North Yorkshire Council. Commission goals The work should be inspired by Scarborough Spa and its history. Format The format can be of your choosing so long as key considerations such as outlined in this brief are met. Practical considerations The Spa building and wider complex is open to visitors all year round and the installation should not hamper public access. Please note, the installation will be located in the centre of an operational car park. North Yorkshire Council can provide information and recommendations for logistical concerns. We would particularly encourage exploring low energy and low carbon impact for this project. North Yorkshire Council can provide additional client support, to be discussed depending upon the nature of the proposal made by the artist. We can also advise on locally based equipment providers. Marketing and promotion of the installation will be managed by North Yorkshire Council's Culture North Yorkshire service in consultation with the artist. The artist may be required to give talks and accommodate visits by young trainees during the process of development. We invite artists/practices to express interest in this commission with reference to their capability to deliver within the timescale, and availability to spend time in Scarborough when necessary. Your EOI should include: Please send EOIs by email to [email protected] by 31st August 2025, subject 'Scarborough 400 Heritage Interpretation Commission'. All proposals will be reviewed by the Scarborough 400 steering group. From the EOIs received, we will invite a small number of applicants to create a concept proposal. Shortlisted artists will be offered a site visit, opportunity to discuss and ask questions with the client group. They will receive a fee of £250 plus expenses and will be asked to present their proposal to a selection panel from which a final appointment will be made.Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
The work should act as a 'lighthouse', both for visitors and local communities.
The work is intended as a permanent feature/long-term installation The installation will need to be constructed to withstand the extreme elements and weather of the coast.
The installation cannot weigh more than 2 tonnes.
The work should be installed and completed by Spring 2026.
The work should celebrate the spa history but can reflect on future themes such as climate, health and wellbeingJob Responsibilities
Useful Links
How to Apply
● CV/portfolio (no more than 2 pages A4) and/or weblink to relevant works/experience
● A brief statement (500 words max) explaining your interest in the commission and how you might approach it