Open Call for Artists
Phase 1 of the Inaugural Commission for y Gaer Museum, Art Gallery & Library, Brecon, Powys:
“Bringing Gwenllian Morgan to Life”
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About Brecon Story Network
The Brecon Story Network, founded in 2018, aims to provide a cohesive and coordinated approach to increasing the awareness of Brecon’s rich heritage and the vibrancy of its cultural and artistic life as well as strengthening Brecon’s identity and distinctiveness.
Executive Structure of Brecon Story Network
Brecon Cathedral is the lead partner with the Dean of Brecon as the Chair of BSN Steering Group, providing administrative and banking support.
Brecon Women’s History Group
A committee of BSN, the Brecon Women’s History Group was founded in 2023 to ensure that future generations of women in the area can learn and enjoy the stories of the pioneering women of Brecknock through highlighting those stories in talks, events
and actions, as well as commemorative items such as plaques, sculpture, video and portraits.
Partners and supporters of BWHG include Theatr Brycheiniog, The Brecknock Arts Trust, The Brecknock Society & Museum Friends, y Gaer, The Muse, Brecon Town Council, Found Gallery and Women’s Archive Wales.
What is This Project?
Brecon’s y Gaer Museum, Art Gallery & Library opened its doors in 2019, which included the refurbishment of the 1842 Shire Hall. Central to the project was the restoration of the old CourtRoom which currently displays oil portraits and busts, exclusively of men.
This project will focus on bringing this space to life by telling the story of Brecon’s Gwenllian Morgan (1852-1939), Wales’ first female mayor and a nationally recognised figure.
Phase 1 of the project will be the creation of bust of Gwenllian Morgan which will have a central position in the courtroom. Phase 2 will be the creation of a video of Gwenllian’s life. The bust and video will be considered for inclusion in the museum’s collection.
What are we looking for?
For Phase 1, we are looking for an artist with a strong Welsh connection to design a bust of contemporary or traditional design using materials of their choice.
The ideal candidate would be an artist or collective with experience in sculpture and/or digital arts.
The bust will occupy a central position in the courtroom. Please see photos below.
The First Step
Once you’ve registered interest, we will provide you with a digital file containing photos and relevant measurements of the y Gaer Courtroom, links to Gwenllian’s history and contemporary photos of her.
We welcome ideas which will:
- Change the courtroom from only displaying male representations to make it a more inclusive space. Ideas for interactivity would be welcome.
- Highlight the incredible achievements of Gwenllian Morgan who lived in a time when very few women held positions of authority.
- Highlight Gwenllian’s role as an inspiration to women in her lifetime and now.
Please note that the appointed artist will need to be open to working collaboratively with stakeholders and be willing to participate in the evaluation process at the end of the project.
What’s on offer:
Fee: Up to £5000 (including equipment), dependent on the scope of the project and materials needed.
Travel: 45p per mile up to £500
How do I apply?
To register your interest please send us no more than one side of A4 text or three minutes of audio/video telling us about you and your practice, and outline why you are interested.
Please send this to Breconstory@gmail.com. We would also encourage you to include visual elements such as photos of work or your website link.
What are the deadlines?
Expressions of interest need to be emailed by 9th February latest. A selection of these will be displayed at y Gaer on International Women’s Day on 8th March.
In mid-March, 3-5 artists will be invited to develop their concept and will receive £200 each for this plus travel expenses to visit y Gaer. The chosen commission will be selected in April with an installation date of the commission in the second half of 2024.
Phase 2 of the project will follow in mid-2024.
If you have any questions about the project, you can contact Carla Rapoport, co-founder of the Brecon Women’s History Group at carlarapoport@gmail.com and she will be pleased to set up a call with you.
We hope to hear from you!
