About the Open Call

In 2012, renowned war correspondent Marie Colvin was tragically killed while reporting in Syria. 'On The Record' is a unique memorial dedicated not only to her, but to all British and UK-based journalists who have sacrificed everything in the pursuit of free speech. This memorial will serve as a powerful tribute to their courage, dedication, and legacy. The Royal Society of Sculptors, in partnership with the On The Record memorial trustees, invites submissions from artists and sculptors to design and deliver an innovative and inspirational public artwork to be installed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. This memorial will commemorate UK and UK-based journalists killed in conflict and will form part of the wider On the Record memorial initiative. The memorial cost is estimated at £500,000, inclusive of design, production, transportation, installation and all ancillaries. A further £50,000 is to be set aside for a scale version or complementary work for St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street. The On The Record memorial commemorates British and UK-based journalists who lost their lives in conflict zones. It aims to honour their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to truth, while also raising awareness of the risks faced by media professionals in war and conflict reporting. This initiative, in partnership with Press Gazette and St Bride’s Church, builds on the legacy of the UK’s commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists. It will include an online database and educational resources. The memorial will be situated at the National Memorial Arboretum, a 150-acre visitor attraction in Staffordshire dedicated to remembrance, which hosts over 400 memorials and welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually. Initial conversations suggest a prominent location for the memorial, on the edge of a rapidly maturing woodland, adjacent to the site’s wildflower meadow. Objectives of the memorial include honouring British and UK-based journalists killed in conflict, recognising journalism’s role in democracy, providing an inclusive space for reflection and remembrance, and celebrating courage, integrity, and freedom of expression. Key themes are truth and sacrifice, courage under fire, the power of storytelling, the fragility and resilience of freedom, and journalism’s role in democracy and conflict. Priorities for the artwork include international standard, strong visual impact, immersive experience, emotional resonance, unique and innovative design, accessibility, clarity of message, durability, ease of maintenance, integration with the Arboretum’s landscape and ethos, and educational potential.

What is Offered

A commission to design and deliver a public artwork for the National Memorial to Journalists on the Frontline, with a memorial budget estimated at £500,000 inclusive of design, production, transportation, installation, and ancillaries. An additional £50,000 is allocated for a scale version or complementary work for St Bride’s Church.

Requirements

Open to UK-based artists and sculptors with experience in nationally and internationally important public commissions. Applicants must submit a preliminary budget and plan, considering materials, infrastructure needs, perpetuity maintenance (managed by the Arboretum), environmental and safety aspects, lead times, and installation logistics. The memorial must not incorporate individual names and must comply with the Arboretum's design guidelines.

How to Apply

Apply via this link: https://www.curatorspace.com/opportunities/detail/on-the-record--public-art-commission/9915