Martin Place Christmas tree complimented by projections by Electric Canvas on GPO facade; Photo supplied.
Tinsel, angel-topped trees and nativity sets might be the common motifs of Christmas, but in an industry such as the arts where diversity and multiculturalism is celebrated, the festive season is open to interpretation.
This year, City of Sydney is broadening its creative brief allowing Artists, Creatives, Designers and Architects to share their own interpretation of Christmas.
Three tenders opened last Tuesday for Sydney Christmas 2016, including: Trees and Decorations; Pitt Street Mall; and Projections, Light Installations and/or Digital, Light and/or Audio Sculptures.
The call out for the latter two categories specifically request artists and creatives to present interesting installation and projection ideas that cater to a wider audience.
‘It’s a new approach. Last year the tenders were very much based on projections. We are really looking and hoping for some great responses from the arts industry and maybe even from the international market,’ said the representative of City of Sydney.
‘The tender is in three parts, the City encourages a response to one or more parts of the tender to possibly include light installations, projections, maybe a digital or light sculpture. The aim is to broaden the reach to seek responses from a multiple of disciplines to expand the scope of works included for 2016.’
Boulevard of Lights, 2015; Photo supplied.
The City is aiming to build upon the success of ‘Boulevard of Lights’, the canopy that overhung Pitt Street Mall and the projections in Martin Place In 2015. ‘Both installations were so well received, we’re looking to see how we can further develop this approach to create more immersive and interactive experiences. Experiences that people will want to engage with, talk about and share,’ said City of Sydney.
The City is interested in works that expand on the traditional elements of the season and open it up to these new and interesting interpretations that reflect the contemporary city. ‘Whilst Christmas tends to be traditional time of year, we have seen a shift over the years. We are trying to take that tradition and open it up to creative expression based on a joyous, celebrative time of year that appeals to all. Essentially inspire the market to ask the question, what could Christmas look like?’
The approach is an opportunity to broaden the conversation about Christmas and to explore what this time of year means to a diverse, multicultural audience.
‘We have an obligation to ensure that we encourage and support creativity within our cultural diverse city, especially at one of the most globally celebrated times of the year,’ said City of Sydney.
This change also demonstrates an ongoing commitment to diversifying public art in Sydney, following from other creative opportunities the Council offers to artists and audiences such as Art & About and the current celebration of Chinese New Year and the development of many new creative projects.
Sydney Christmas branding inspired projections created by Electric Canvas; Photo supplied.
For artists interested in responding to this new invitation, a representative advised that projects adopting innovative technologies will be strongly considered.
‘A combination of creativity, technology and innovation is at the core of what we are seeking. We want people to see things, stop and be excited and to also think of Sydney as taking the lead, being at the forefront of enhancing something we tend to think traditionally about.’
‘We are in such a unique position, we are one of very few cities where Christmas is all about summer. For us it is about summer, beaches, enjoying the outdoors, we are fortunate to have longer days which brings people and families into the city to see the trees, decorations and share in the festive spirit. Hence, providing another challenge for us to ensure installations and decorations do translate from day to night’
2016 is the final year for the current trees and decorations. The scope of the tenders has changed slightly to coincide with the new direction and focus of the Sydney Christmas Expression of Interest 2017-2021, which will offer longer term opportunities for the Christmas program through a new five year plan.
Expression of Interest for 2017-2021 will be released after tenders close for 2016. The EOI will include a new Martin Place Tree in 2017 to coincide with the completion of George Street.
‘2016 will support our commitment to a new direction to evolve Christmas and we hope the marketplace, both local and international, will see this as an extraordinary opportunity to work with the City on a five year project.
Sydney Christmas 2016 Tenders
- Trees and decorations tenders
- Installation for Pitt Street Mall
- Projections, light installations and or digital light sculptures
Expressions of interest for the 2016 tenders close Tuesday 1 March.
For more information, visit http://cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/christmas-tenders
