Artist/s Development

Phase Brief

Wyeside Arts Centre: Artist/s Development Phase Brief

Introduction

Set in an iconic Grade 2 Listed building, Wyeside Arts Centre is situated in the small rural market town of Builth Wells. Overlooking the beautiful River Wye, it is a unique landmark in both the visual and cultural landscape of the area. For a small venue our programme is expansive and diverse, resulting in Wyeside playing a vital role in the vibrant and dynamic independent arts scene of rural Mid Wales.

We have recently secured funding to complete RIBA Stage 3 of our ‘Wyeside Works’ project. A major renovation and expansion to ensure our arts centre is fully accessible and fit for purpose. Helping us enhance a sense of place, and to continue delivering an arts programme for our local communities for generations to come.

De Matos Ryan Architects are currently developing proposals for the renovation and extension of Wyeside, featuring a spectacular roof terrace overlooking the river. Our ambition is to challenge the boundaries of art and architecture by partnering an artist to help develop this project. Our aim is to work collaboratively with the chosen artist to bring an artistic element to the final design. The design team are eager to work with an artist at this early stage in the project’s development to ensure its successful integration. Wyeside would like the artist to be an integral member of De Matos Ryan Architects’ design team. The artist’s contribution is seen as a vital element of the project, and is planned to be a mutual collaboration between all parties.

These designs will then be submitted to funding partners, such as Arts Council for Wales, and Powys County Council for Planning & Listed Building consent. Further to these approvals, the scheme will then be developed into detailed designs and specifications prior to construction.

Wyeside Arts Centre wish to appoint an artist to work with them to produce an artistic concept which will be integrated into the building.

Artist’s contribution to the design

Wyeside Arts Centre and De Matos Ryan wish the artist to develop concept design proposals in coordination with the architectural designs of the interior and/or exterior. Detailed designs and funding for the artwork itself will follow at a later stage once funding sources have been identified to take the project forward.

Wyeside Arts Centre and De Matos Ryan want to select an artist, whose work resonates with the philosophy and purpose of the organisation, its rural location on the banks of the River Wye, while respecting the rich heritage of Builth Wells, our Grade 2 listed building, the beauty of the surrounding landscape and biodiversity that make it special.

This strategic approach to the concept designs can include all aspects of the interior and built fabric in coordination with the design philosophy that is being created by the architectural design.

Strategic Approach to the design

All of the building can be considered the subject of the strategic approach. In the first instance the appointment will be to work on a design statement that will form a ‘living brief’ that the artist and the design team can work with. This ‘living brief’ will be developed with the architect and design team.

The subject of the ‘living brief’ will be to devise a strategic approach to the design of the building. The first part of the brief will be deciding where the focus of the artwork will be.

The components might include:

  • Roof terrace

  • Exterior façade facing the river

  • Doors

  • Built in furniture, such as the Reception desk or Café counter

  • Display furniture

  • Lighting installation

  • Signage

It is requested as part of this current phase of concept design work that the Artist is able to advise on accurate costings in order that the work can later be carried out within budget during construction. The production phase will begin once funding has been secured.

The Selection of an Artist

The successful artist will work alongside De Matos Ryan on the proposals and will report to Wyeside Arts Centre through the Steering Committee. All artistic proposals will be dependent on the agreement of the Wyeside Arts Centre Steering Group and on the success of funding applications.

The artist will be selected on their current portfolio and their approach and response to this brief. It will not be required for the artist to submit design proposals at this stage.

It is anticipated that the artist will be appointed following a successful interview.

Submission Requirements

The application should contain the artist’s approach and response to the brief on one side of A4. It should be accompanied by a CV on two sides of A4. The total application of the three sides of A4 is to be submitted via email to: ceo@wyeside.co.uk

Deadline for submissions: 19th October 2025

Interview

The Interview will take place at Wyeside Arts Centre on October 29, 2025

The interview panel will include:

Angus Morrogh-Ryan - De Matos Ryan

Jane Colhoun - Arts Council of Wales

Wyeside Steering Group Members

The interview will take the form of a 20-minute presentation by the artist followed by up to 30 minutes of questions from the interview panel.

Wyeside Arts Centre reserves the right not to make an appointment if a suitable candidate is not identified.

Fee

The successful artist will be given a fee of £2,000 to develop the concept proposals for this first stage of the commission. The ultimate commission, of which this is the first stage, will be subject to funding being secured to take the project forward.

For now, this fee is to include all the expenses related to the proposals and up to 3 meetings at Wyeside Arts Centre.

The Artist is requested to provide a resource schedule with day rates.

The anticipated contract period for this phase of work is late October to 31st January 2026.