Hunt is on for inspirational artwork to be displayed at Flint Castle

The hunt for inspirational ideas for artworks, one of which will be displayed at Flint Castle, is on – and a Flintshire politician is urging local designers to apply.

The artworks inspired by Wales’ many legendary figures will be installed at some of Wales’ most loved and iconic sites – as part of the Year of Legends in 2017.

The competition to design and build the two art Installations has now gone live on Sell2Wales, the website advertising Welsh Government procurement opportunities.

Carl Sargeant AM is urging local artists and designers to make a bid. He said:

“Recent installations at some of our best-loved heritage sites, like the weeping window poppy installation at Caernarfon Castle and the touring Welsh dragon sculpture which called at Flint Castle, have gone down a storm.

“They have really boosted visitor numbers and caught people’s imaginations. This opportunity is a wonderful one for artists and designers to see their idea come to life at Flint Castle. It’s one of the most historic and interesting sites in the country and right on our doorstep, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a local artist or designer that produces the artwork to install there.”

The competition will be run by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Cadw. It will see up to two major landmarks inspired by Welsh legends designed and, depending on the scale and nature of the designs, built and installed during the Year of Legends.

Working with the Arts Council for Wales and Visit Wales, Cadw will reveal the preferred concepts in the spring. The successful artist or artists will then design, create and install the landmarks.

One installation is guaranteed for Flint Castle as part of enhancement works at this historic and iconic monument; with a second artwork at a heritage site, in the care of the Welsh Government, to be determined on the basis of concept proposals.

Nature has shaped Wales as a country full of visual drama and splendour. From the beginnings of our earliest times people added stories to our wonderful landscapes; built castles and fought wars; forged industry, communities and inspired innovation; moulded artistic and sporting heroes. Wales is a country steeped in history with a vibrant 21st century culture.

Taking inspiration from this legacy Cadw challenges artists to devise creative and inspirational ways to celebrate legendary Wales.

Cadw will be looking for final designs that are innovative and original; that will bring Wales’s heritage to life and catch people’s imaginations and inspire them to visit Wales and explore its incredible historic sites.