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Vaasa City Library is looking for an artist to design the exterior of the new mobile library
Published: 10.10.2024
Vaasa City Library will receive a new mobile library in early 2025, and its design will be commissioned from a professional artist following a portfolio review. The application is open to artists based in the regions of Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia from 7 to 27 October 2024.
The concept for the exterior design of the new mobile library is to evoke a colourful, cheerful, and fairytale-like atmosphere, with a particular emphasis on children. It aims to highlight the joy of reading, incorporating themes linked to Vaasa, such as happiness and the sea.
A maximum of three artists will be selected based on their portfolios; the selection may lead to either a direct commission or a parallel commission for sketches.
– We are looking forward to seeing what kind of artistic vision the artists of the region can bring to the design of the new mobile library, says Sanna Bondas, Director of Culture and Library Services.
Applicants should submit a portfolio containing up to four work samples, including a photo or photos, a brief introductory text, and a text-based motivation letter explaining their interest in this particular project and any previous experience in similar work. Design ideas or sketches will not be considered as part of the portfolio review process.
The artist will be selected based on the quality of their artistic output, their ability to design a layout suitable for a mobile library, the originality and appeal of their work and any experience of similar projects.
The exterior design of the new mobile library will be applied by the vehicle’s manufacturer, Kiitokori, as a wrap over the white body of the vehicle.
Ready in December
The results of the portfolio review will be announced by 30 October, and a meeting with the selected artists will be held on 1 November. The sketch phase will take place from 4th to 22nd November, with the final selection made during week 48. The finished work must be handed in by 13 December.
The portfolios should be sent by e-mail with the subject line ‘First name Last name; uuden kirjastoauton portfoliohaku’ to the following address: sanna.bondas@vaasa.fi.
The project will offer 2,500€ sketching fees as well as a 2,000€ commission fee to the selected artist.
The selection process is led by a working group comprising representatives from the City of Vaasa’s Culture and Library Services, Museums, and Communications.