Vector Lights will appoint an Auckland based artist to deliver a new dynamic light and sound show on Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge for Auckland Anniversary Day. The new work will launch on 23 January 2024.
We invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) from local artists who recognise and celebrate the culture and diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The selected artist will work with the Vector Lights team on an artistic brief, then collaborate with Mandylights (the lighting creative house) to bring the story and visual to life on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
To be eligible for this commission, Expressions of Interest must be submitted through the form here by 5pm, Sunday 12 November 2023. Late submissions will not be considered.
Please note that this EOI request is a request for qualifications and a high-level written concept.
Vector Lights
Vector Lights is a ten-year smart energy partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Powered by a mix of leading technology, including solar, battery and peer-to-peer systems, Vector Lights transforms the Waitematā as a guiding light toward a smart energy future. It is an experience and a destination, giving Aucklanders a focal point for celebration and recognition.
Auckland Anniversary Day
Auckland Anniversary Day is observed on 29 January, every year. In 1841, Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson decreed that 29 January would become Auckland's anniversary, marking the day in 1840 when he arrived in the Bay of Islands.
Members of Hobson’s team then sailed down the coast, arriving in Auckland on 18 September 1840. The group included Surveyor-General Felton Mathew and his wife Sarah, a prolific diary-keeper. The preliminary agreement for the purchase of the site of Auckland was signed with Ngāti Whātua leaders the same day and the new settlement of Auckland was established as the capital of New Zealand.
Project purpose and requirements
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The new light show will be a celebration of Auckland through the selected artist’s lens.
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It will require accompanied music. Any copyrights or licensing will need to be worked through.
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The show should be approximately 3-5 minutes duration. It will be livestreamed via www.facebook.com/vectornz
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The selected artist will work directly with the Vector Lights team to establish a creative brief. This can be designed in a variety of ways, with the most common being a storyboard.
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The selected artist will present their creative brief to Mandylights who will then visualise it into a spectacular light show.
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Vector Lights for Auckland Anniversary Day 2024 will replay for forthcoming anniversaries, expiring 29 January 2027.
Other considerations
The connection to Auckland’s brand themes:
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Region of Wairuatanga | He whaitua whai Wairuatanga
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Collective worlds | He whaitua whai Wairuatanga
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Playground for ideas | He wāhi whakakaupapa
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Urban oasis | He whakamarutanga ā-tāone
An application may be considered for another Vector Lights event in its programme calendar if deemed necessary and appropriate.
What to submit
This EOI is a request for qualifications and a high-level written concept.
Please provide the following:
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A professional history (250 words)
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A statement explaining your interest in this opportunity (250 words)
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A high-level written concept of the Vector Lights show (250 words)
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Weblink to your previous work
Submission delivery
Send your EOI using this form by 5pm, Sunday 12 November 2023. Late submissions will not be considered.
How submissions are evaluated
Submissions will be reviewed and assessed by the Vector Lights project team. The team consists of members from each organisation in the partnership. If necessary, consultation with other staff may occur.
The criteria for assessment:
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Relevance to the celebration of Auckland through diversity and culture (50% weighting)
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Strength of work samples (20% weighting)
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Rationale for interest in this opportunity (30% weighting)
Applications that do not meet submission requirements will not be assessed for this opportunity.
Following review of applications, an artist will be selected to further develop their concept into an artist creative brief.
Commission
The selected artist will receive a commission fee of $3,000 net.
Timeline
Useful background information:
Vector Lights
https://www.vector.co.nz/about-us/sponsorship/lights
Why we celebrate Auckland Anniversary Day
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2019/01/auckland-anniversary/
Auckland Brand
https://auckland-brand.aucklandnz.com/brand/aucklands-brand