Student Artists To Rise To Phoenix Challenge
29th February 2008
For a third year Phoenix Natural Gas and the University of Ulster have set a tough challenge to budding artists at the University’s School of Art and Design.
Proposals have been submitted and judging of original concepts for sculptural pieces is already underway.
This year’s ‘Energy in Art’ competition will give local artistic talent the opportunity to create a signature piece of art outside the front of the gas company’s Belfast headquarters.
The distinguished judging panel includes Peter Minnis (Project Director, Todd Architects), Eleanor Wheeler (Artist-in-Residence, Belfast City Council) and Philip Crossey (Arts Correspondent, the News Letter).
The winning student will receive a substantial four-figure sum for the commission and will be present at the official unveiling later in the year. Sharon Hearty, Phoenix Corporate Affairs Manager, said:
“We hope the winner will bring about a visual empathy between the work and the architecture of the building. It should seek to epitomise Phoenix’s commitment to the arts in Northern Ireland and through creative vision interpret Phoenix the company whilst working with the environment in which it is located”.
Brian Connolly, Project co-ordinator and Lecturer at the University of Ulster, reflected:
“It is fantastic for our students to have this opportunity to work at such a high level in the commercial market. This year’s commission will be very challenging for those involved, but there is a great sense of achievement in providing a celebratory piece that will be enjoyed by staff and visitors for many years into the future”.
In the coming weeks applicants will be whittled down to a short list of four, who will then compete to be the student chosen to bring their ideas to life.
Pic: Sharon Hearty, Phoenix Corporate Affairs Manager, looks through some of the student sketches with two of her fellow judges (L-R) Brian Connolly of the University of Ulster and Peter Minnis of Todd Architects.