Key information
Request reference number: MGLA281222-6298
Date of response:
Summary of request
Your request
In relation to the Fourth Plinth Commission:
Provide any material which acts as a guide for the selection and commissioning of artworks.
In particular, guidance which relates to race, racism, diversity, black lives matter, inclusion and decolonisation.
Searchable terms in the guidance material may include 'Black Lives Matter (BLM)',
'decolonisation', 'white supremacy or supremacism', 'white privilege', 'institutional
racism', 'imperialism' 'colonialism', 'British Empire', 'whiteness' and 'blackness'.
Our response
Approximately 20 international professionals in the arts, culture, broadcast and architecture sectors are invited to nominate six artists each for the Fourth Plinth longlist. The invitation letters state:
‘We would like to invite you to propose up to 6 artists for inclusion on the long list. We
also ask that your nominations are evenly split between male and female artists, to give
us the best chance of achieving a fair gender balance at the final stage. Our aim is that
our commissions better reflect the diversity within our society so we also ask that you
consider this in your nominations.’
In the Artist Information Pack sent to the longlisted artists, the guidance below is provided on making a proposal.
The work should be
Contemporary and site-specific: Referring or responding to the conceptual, historical or formal framework of the Square as the central public space of London; a public space with both national and international significance.
Appropriate: Trafalgar Square contains an important collection of sculptures ranging over three centuries. However, while the plinth was designed for an equestrian bronze, the commission doesn’t necessarily need to be a work of object-based sculpture.
Please note
The Fourth Plinth is a listed structure and mountings for the work must not cause damage to the existing fabric. Although the commission will only be in place on the plinth for up to 24 months, it is anticipated that it will be sold or publicly displayed after this period.
The object must be made of sufficiently robust materials to withstand open exhibition for the initial exhibition period and beyond in extremes of temperature, direct sunlight, heavy rain, bird deposits, traffic emissions and possible human interference.
In the Artist Information Pack sent to the longlisted artists the word ‘diversity’ appears twice
when providing context and background to the programme. The two sections are provided
below.
Context
Trafalgar Square has become a symbolic centre for London as well as the geographic centre; a social and historic focus reflecting London’s diversity, while maintaining its role as a place of protest and dissent, celebration and informal gathering.
It is a site for cultural and community based events as well as a popular destination for the
capital’s many visitors.
The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Programme is an important aspect of the Mayor’s vision for Trafalgar Square and is accompanied by a significant London-wide Public Programme, including the popular Fourth Plinth Schools Awards.
Appendix: Further background and context
Trafalgar Square lies at the heart of London bringing together the very different experiences of Buckingham Palace, the world famous shopping streets of the West End, the vibrant and night-time life of Leicester Square and Soho, the bookshops and theatres of Charing Cross Road, the street life of Covent Garden, Charing Cross Railway Station (one of the busiest stations in the metropolis) and the Houses of Parliament.
The redesign of Trafalgar Square by Foster and Partners in 2003 allowed the opportunity to easily enter the Square and enjoy its remarkable location and surroundings. The key change to the Square was the pedestrianisation of the north side and the creation of a central staircase through the north wall, directly linking the National Gallery to the square for the first time.
As a result Trafalgar Square has become a symbolic centre for London; a social and historic space reflecting London’s diversity, while maintaining its role as a place of protest and dissent, celebration and informal gathering. It is a site for cultural and community based events whilst also a popular destination for the capitals’ many visitors.
In 1999 responsibility for Trafalgar Square was transferred to the Mayor of London and the
Greater London Authority. The Fourth Plinth Programme is integral to the Mayor’s vision for
Trafalgar Square and is a focal point for social and cultural activity in the capital.
There is no guidance related to the terms, 'Black Lives Matter (BLM)',
'decolonisation', 'white supremacy or supremacism', 'white privilege', 'institutional
racism', 'imperialism' 'colonialism', 'British Empire', 'whiteness' and 'blackness'.
If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact us, quoting
reference MGLA281222-6298.