The artwork has been commissioned to celebrate the ‘Cambridge Rules’ and the important role they played in the formation of the Football Association Rules, more than 150 years ago.
Four internationally-recognised artists - Neville Gabie (working with Alan Ward), Kenny Hunter, Nayan Kulkarni and Mark Titchner – have now submitted their concepts for the artwork to the council.
One of the concepts will then be developed further, following input received through assessment and public consultation, which begins on 10 November. It should be noted that at this stage the concepts are not the final designs, and reflect the artists’ initial responses to the brief.
The work that is eventually selected will be funded entirely using developer contributions of up to £115,000 – which can only be used for commissioning public art.
The concept proposals for the artworks will be available to view online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/the-cambridge-rules from Monday 10 November-Friday 5 December, and will also be on public display on the first floor of the Guildhall from 10-27 November. The public will be invited to comment on each of the four proposals during the consultation period.
The ‘Cambridge Rules’ were a code of football rules first drawn up at Cambridge University, and the creators sought to formulate a game that was acceptable to students who had played various codes of public school football, each with different rules. The Cambridge Rules are notable for allowing goal kicks, throw‐ins, and forward passes and for preventing running whilst holding the ball. These rules were very influential in the creation of the modern Rules of Association Football, drawn up in London by The Football Association in 1863.
In 2013, for the 150th anniversary of the Football Association Rules, the council agreed to undertake a public art commission for an artist to develop a proposal for an artwork to celebrate the ‘Cambridge Rules’ and acknowledge the important role that these Rules played in establishing the Football Association Rules. It was agreed that the commission should also signify the importance of Parker’s Piece as the birthplace of football not only within the city of Cambridge, but also nationally and internationally.
Following the consultation and assessment process one project will be approved by Cllr Carina O’Reilly, Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places at the council’s Community Services Scrutiny Committee on 15 January. The chosen artist will then work with the council and other interested groups to develop the commission fully.
Cllr Carina O’Reilly, Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places, said: “I’m really pleased that we’re finally close to choosing a piece of art for this celebration of football and that local people will have a chance to say what they think about the shortlisted artworks.”
“Public art projects like this one can make an important contribution to the city’s identity as Cambridge grows and develops. The Cambridge Rules art work will not only provide a talking point and a new landmark for the city, but can play a part in bringing people together from different communities.”
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