Public Art Trail Commission - design brief

Artists are asked to submit a proposal for a single piece of public artwork, to be incorporated into a trail of 10 public artwork pieces across the town and sea front. The artworks must align with one or more of the four themes listed below and must build upon the layers of visual interest and character in the town. Artworks must be permanent and resilient to weather and other such conditions and can be dynamic, kinetic, or interactive if desired.

Themes

1. Street Circus and Performance, Arts, and the Borough's Entertainment Heritage

Our entertainment heritage encompasses street circus and performance arts, all of which have played a huge role in the history of the borough. Circus was a key element to the town as a seaside resort and remains today an important feature of our cultural landscape. Theatre and Dance are emblematic of seaside holidays, and a feature heavily in memories of Great Yarmouth holidays. Our town has numerous historic theatres across the borough, many of which have been repurposed for contemporary use. Street arts festivals are a recurring feature of the yearly diary in the town.

2. Maritime and Medieval History - People, Place and Events

Our town has a rich history, from its role as a medieval trading port bringing goods and wealth into the local economy to fund town walls and the building of many rows, to the decree of King John's Charter which secured Great Yarmouth as a market town. Notable people include the medieval Fastolf family, naval man Sir John Clere, Rebecca Nurse of the Salem Witch Trials, prison reformer Sarah Martin, and author Anna Sewell. The town has seen prosperity and decline through the fishing trade, wars across the centuries, and the boom of life as a seaside resort. It is a gateway to the Norfolk Broads and host to a range of museums, communities, and stories.

3. Transport and Energy

The energy industry plays a vital role in the local economy and, with the development of the offshore wind farms, is a key feature of the local landscape. Offshore energy is shaping the industrial sector of the town and provides Great Yarmouth with important economic opportunity. Offshore renewables have presented Great Yarmouth's port with significant opportunity for growth and investment, building on skills in the community and links with other countries. 

4. Seaside

Great Yarmouth is one of the UK's top seaside resorts with stunning beaches and a newly revived seafront. The town has a long tradition as a beach resort going right back to the late 18th century. The mix that has made it so popular, including all sorts of attractions which welcome visitors year in year out, are still going strong today.  The Borough of Great Yarmouth has a number of spectacular beaches: Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Caister, Hemsby, Scratby, California, Winterton and Hopton; all with their own distinctive character and appeal to visitors. Our sandy beaches stretch almost continuously for over 15 miles and have been awarded both the coveted Blue Flag and Marine Conservation Society awards. Marine Parade is the main seafront area which looks out over golden sands, has two piers, classic seaside tearooms, pubs and restaurants, amusements and numerous family activities.