Commissioning Process

In November 2004 the commission opportunity was advertised internationally. This led to ninety expressions of interest from artists from all over the world: Asia, North America, Australia, Europe, the UK and the East Midlands region itself. A Commissioning Body was established to manage the artist selection, including representatives from East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Arts Council England, East Midlands, and each of the five Local Authorities providing a location for Under Scan. Curators and artists were also represented on the Commissioning Body.

 

Six artists were short-listed and awarded funding to carry out a period of research and development, leading to a detailed proposal. As part of this process the artists were invited to visit the East Midlands for inspiration. Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s proposal for Under Scan was selected as the concept that most closely fulfilled the Commission Brief, by using an appropriate combination of thought-provoking artwork, interactive engagement and sophisticated technology.