Premier Calls for Entries for Western Cape Government Public Art Competition

Statement by Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape

As part of the celebration of 20 years of democracy, the Western Cape Government is launching a competition for an exceptional, permanent artwork to mark this iconic occasion.

Once the winner is chosen, the artwork will be placed on permanent display outside, in the vibrant Long Street pedestrian route on the corner of Long and Dorp Streets. The site marks a new pedestrian plaza on lower Dorp Street.

I therefore extend an invitation to all members of the public, especially artists to provide designs to the provincial government for this art piece. Entries open today, 7 August 2014 and close on 15 October 2014. The announcement of the selected artwork will take place on 14 November 2014. The final outdoor installation should be completed by 15 April 2015 and the official unveiling will be scheduled for 27 April 2015.

The designs should highlight the chosen theme of "20 Years of Freedom and Democracy" incorporating "Live Design, Transform Life", which is taken from the  World Design Capital (WDC) for 2014 theme. The work must also be a durable and permanent structure. Portraits do not qualify and will not be accepted.

This is an opportunity for all citizens to get involved in the development, look and feel of their city and province.

The winning artist or team will receive a monetary award and a construction budget which includes:

• R1 million which includes the construction budget of up to R900 000 to build and install the artwork. This budget must include all procurement of materials, labour cost, equipment rentals, installation, transportation, as well as restorations of any changes made to the area.
• The winning artist or team will be awarded a one hundred thousand rand R100 000 honorarium.  In the case of teams, this award will be split among all members. 

All the details relating to the Public Artwork Competition and the very important entry requirements can be found on www.westerncape.gov.za/WDC2014

Send all your questions and queries to: aeysha.augustus@westerncape.gov.za or call 021 483 4618

I look forward to innovative ideas and artwork.