Redruth seeks artists for town sculpture

The initial idea came essentially from the people of Redruth themselves who suggested that there be a sculpture made to celebrate the industrial history of the area and the way in which mining has played such a vital role in shaping the Redruth of today. The scheme is being led by the Redruth Mining Art Group which was set up as part of the wider programme of work that is already under way in the town, with major streetscape and car park refurbishments along with investment in historic buildings and in public open spaces such as Trefusis Playing Field. The Group includes local people with an interest in heritage and public art as well as members from Kerrier District Council and Redruth Town Council and it is working closely with CPR Regeneration with the help of significant funding from English Partnerships. Day to day management of the scheme is being undertaken by ACT who are developing the former Redruth Grammar School buildings into a focal centre for Cornwall’s creative industries as part of the strategy for regenerating the town.

“The aim of the sculpture project is to create a landmark work of art that will be a significant new feature for the community and will celebrate the mining heritage of the town and its people, creating a greater understanding of the relationship between the Redruth that we live in now and its remarkable industrial past.” said Ross Williams, Director of ACT.  

The project has been given added significance because of the recent awarding of World Heritage Site status to Cornwall’s mining industry heritage. The site for the sculpture is just a few yards from the town’s railway station from which so many miners and their families left to seek a better life abroad as the industry here dwindled away.

The Mining Art Group is inviting artists to express an interest in taking on the commission to create the sculpture; the Group will then draw up a shortlist of artists who will be invited to submit detailed proposals. It is planned to put the submissions on public display in Redruth in December so that everyone can have a chance to contribute their views before the Group make a final decision; the finished piece will be installed in April or May next year.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 2nd October and for further details about the format for these please contact Elisa McLeod, ACT, The Old Grammar School, West Park, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3AJ; telephone 01209 313200; email elisa@actcornwall.org.uk.