Young people invited to work on public art projects for Bideford – and get paid

Young people in Torridge are being invited to apply to work on a series of creative art projects for Bideford – and get paid for it too.

Torridge District Council is working with public art organisation, Company Place, on a series of new public artwork projects and is looking for young people aged 16 to 22 to get involved.

Supergroup, a London-based artist duo made up of ceramic artist Ian McIntyre and illustrator John Booth have been appointed to make new public artwork and wayfinding interventions for Bideford. 

‘Wayfinding interventions’ can be a variety of creative ways to help people navigate around a town or city, such as signs or totems, and can be particularly helpful for those with sensory or mobility challenges.

Supergroup has worked with big names including Selfridges, Paul Smith and Hem and are the recipients of a national award from the Design Council. 

The project is being funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

The team is particularly keen to hear from young people from the Bideford and Torridge area who understand what it’s like to live in the town. 

Young people will be paid £10 per hour to creatively contribute to the artists’ research for the project. Participants will also benefit from a paid for field trip to a town or city in Devon or the surrounding area, to explore the creative scene there.

There will be four creative, hands-on workshops of around two to three hours in November, where participants will have the opportunity to review Supergroup’s initial proposals, share their thoughts and influence how the artworks look and feel. 

The feedback and ideas will be used to shape what wayfinding artworks will be installed in Bideford in spring next year.

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Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, the council’s lead member for culture and community engagement, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone aged 16 to 22 who is interested in art and care about their local community to work with award winning national artists, to create something really special for Bideford. 

“Participants will have the chance to learn and explore playful creative techniques to support collaboration and experimentation as well as learn creative methods to generate and share new ideas and strengthen communication skills. 

“The great thing is that interest and enthusiasm are more important than art experience - so I’d really encourage anyone to apply.”

The workshops will run between November 21-23 and the closing date for applications is Thursday, November 13.

Anyone who wishes to apply should do so via the Shaping Public Art in Bideford online form.