Bluecoat Arts Centre in Liverpool is looking to appoint a visual artist to work on the 'Hermitage' project as part of our very successful Connect programme. Connect carefully matches artists with local community groups in order to initiate collaborations that result in the creation of new pieces of work. The project relates to an initiative called 'Liverpool Reads' which focuses on promoting a city-wide book read to Liverpool. The chosen book for 2005/6 is the Carnegie
Medal-winning 'Millions' by Frank Cottrell Boyce.

Two groups have been selected to work on the project: a group of adults from the Crown Street Mental Health Resource Centre and a group of Year 9 pupils from Lower Lee School, a school for boys with special educational needs and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Both organisations have worked on a project with
Bluecoat previously and we have built up an excellent relationship with key staff.

In the book 'Millions' Damian, the 9-year-old lead character, is obsessed by saints and the idea of 'being excellent'. In the pursuit of his goal he builds himself a hermitage and spends time there alone in discomfort, periodically experiencing visions of saints. He takes certain objects with him to strengthen his endurance. Both groups are interested in using visual arts to explore these concepts with the ultimate aim of creating their own hermitages in the grounds.

We are seeking an artist to work through an initial 10-week exploration phase, with a view to creating a 'design brief' and objects to go in the hermitages.
This first phase will take place from early October to mid December. Sessions will be held on Mondays (1 - 4pm) at Lower Lee and on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (1 - 4pm) at Crown Street.

Future phases will involve the artist in:
* the recruitment of another artist/craftsperson to work with the groups to create their hermitages using natural materials
* overseeing the creation of the hermitages
* a final exhibition phase in May/June 2006

Several organisations have expressed an interest in displaying work from the project including The Walker Gallery (National Museums Liverpool), University of Liverpool and Liverpool Library Service.

Subject to funding, the project will involve at least 30 half-day sessions at £90, plus funding for materials, exhibitions and marketing. Due to the nature of the work we will require you to undergo, or prove that you have undergone, a recent CRB check.

If you would like to apply please send an up-to-date CV, a covering letter giving details of relevant experience and several examples of your own work (JPEGS, slides, photos, videos or DVDs) to:

Annie MacLean, Bluecoat Arts Centre, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX or email to: annie@bluecoatartscentre.com

Deadline for receipt of applications: 5pm on Friday 12th August 2005.
Interviews will be held on 31st August at Crown Street Centre in Liverpool.