As part of the current regeneration initiative Addo and Flintshire County Council, in partnership with Cadw and a range of local partners, recently invited applications from experienced artists to produce artworks for Flint. Two commissions were advertised Commission One – an ‘iconic’ artwork to be situated on the Flint Foreshore. Commission Two – an Art Trail connecting the foreshore with the town as part of the wider regeneration of this unique and compelling landscape.

Five artists have been shortlisted to produce some thought provoking initial designs for an Iconic artwork on the foreshore. Each was selected due to their enthusiasm for the brief and ability to work with others in the development and delivery of artworks. Designs will be on public display at Flint Library during 1st-6thApril. Local people will have an opportunity to comment on the initial design ideas and to meet the artists to discuss their ideas.

The short-listed artists are:

Manon Awstis an artist and researcher based in Caernarfon, who has developed site-specific sculptures and installations across Europe https://manonawst.com

Howard Bowcott  http://www.howardbowcott.co.ukis based in North Wales and works on arts and regeneration projects throughout the UK and further afield.

Richard Harris http://www.richardharrissculpture.co.ukmakeshuman-scale environmental sculpture at sites across the world and is based in mid Wales.

John Merrill http://www.johnmerrill.orgis based in North Wales and makes large-scale public artworks, which respond to natural landscapes.

Rich White http://www.counterwork.co.ukmakes installations, which examine the relationships that develop between people and their environment.

To help improve connectivity and sense of place between the Foreshore and Town Centre, artists Grennan & Sperandio http://www.kartoonkings.com have been selected for the Flint Art Trail Commission. The duo are based in North Wales and the USA and are particularly known for their relational, social and collaborative artworks. The focus of their work is to draw out local stories and characters.

The Regeneration steering group and partners selected artists who were able to demonstrate a willingness to immerse themselves in the life and culture of the area and embrace the opportunity to work with local groups, communities, businesses and the wider regeneration project team (including foreshore development architects) as an integral part of their practice.

The artists initial design ideas will be on display at Flint Library during 1st-6th April. There will be an opportunity to meet the artist to discuss their ideas on Saturday the 6th of April from 2.30-4.30pm.