The Old Town Hall Community Window Project

Objective

Create an art installation this October for the windows of The Old Town Hall to promote the 2025 Christmas production, Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post.

Background

The Old Town Hall and Dacorum Borough Council are keen to collaborate with local creative practitioners to design and install artwork based on the theme of Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post that will capture the attention (and pockets!) of passersby, raising awareness of the production and increasing the street presence of the venue.

Whilst the theme of the artwork is specific, we are open to the medium of artwork installed, which could be painted onto the windows, vinyl clings, or other artistic element, so long as it is suitable for window dressing.

This installation will run from October 2025 to January 2026, and is a pilot project that, if successful, may lead to further commissioning opportunities for local artists for the windows of The Old Town Hall.

About Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post

Welcome to the post office! It’s the busiest time of the year! The letters and parcels are piling up high and Rosie Robin is working hard delivering the Christmas Post. But when a snowstorm sweeps through Clover Leaf Wood, the animals must come together to make sure all the mail arrives on time.

Blending puppetry, physical performance and song, this gentle, magical, heart-warming show tells the story of one tiny Robin determined that no one is forgotten this Christmas.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/7V_MsYIlXW8?si=eAehQznm3hXOj9Y6

Age guidance: 2 to 7 years.

Who are we looking for?

A professional artist, or collective, ideally based in Dacorum or surrounding areas, or who have a strong connection with the Borough, with a visual practice that can create an installation that:

• Is eye catching for people walking past the building;
  • They may have been for a coffee or finished an exercise class and are walking past the building on the way home or to their next appointment. We want the installation to stop them in their tracks and entice them to enter the building to find out more about what we do here, or to book tickets for the Christmas (or any other) production.
• Reflects the creativity that takes place in the building;
  • We are a theatre, music venue, gallery, bar, comedy club, community hub, and much more. The installation should reflect the diversity of our space and the integral role that The Old Town Hall plays in the local community.
• Is visual only;
  • We are open to the artistic medium used, and it may be possible to incorporate moving imagery by using the digital screen in situ if desired, however it will not be possible to use sound for the installation.
• Is family friendly;
  • The installation will be visible to the main High Street where all ages could interact with it.

• Uses recyclable materials where appropriate, and those which are approved by The Old Town Hall. The materials used should not be in contravention of Health and Safety legislation, must be safe for the public, must be durable, should not cause damage to the windows, walls, or other surfaces, and must be suitable for the space.
• The space must be returned to its original condition after the installation period has ended.
• Is created in your own artistic style, in collaboration with The Old Town Hall and Little Angel Theatre, who both must approve the final design before it is installed.
• Must work and be visible in both daylight and low light at night.

The artwork will be installed in October 2025, on a date to be determined, and removed in early January 2026, so we only seek artists who are available then. The artist is responsible for installing and derigging their work.

Fee

There is a flat fee of £1500 for this project.

It is expected that this will cover the preparation, materials, installation, and any travel costs.

Key dates

• 29^th August, midday: deadline for applications (The Old Town Hall reserves the right to close the application period early if it is deemed necessary to do so).
• 1^st – 5^th September: shortlist and selection process
• 8^th September: successful applicant confirmed and agreed
• 15^th September (w/c): successful applicant to meet with The Old Town Hall to finalise design and agree installation process
• 1^st October (onwards): artwork to be installed on agreed dates
• 5^th January 2026 (w/c): artwork to be derigged

For your consideration

• All applicants should be familiar with the building and type of work that takes place within it, prior to making their application
  • Applicants are encouraged to visit the venue to see the installation space, ask any questions, and research the types of shows that are put on here
    • Please email Fiona Smout, Sales and Marketing Lead Officer at The Old Town Hall, to arrange a visit (othmarketing@dacorum.gov.uk)
• Please download the following documents, which detail:
  • The window measurements;
  • Photograph of the windows;
  • Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post artwork, which your installation should be based on.
• How will you incorporate a credit for the design into your installation?

Interested?

Please email:

• A detailed sketch of your proposed design;
• A short statement of up to 500 words, OR video, OR audio recording of up to 3 minutes, explaining how your proposed design meets the criteria set in the Who are we looking for? section of this brief.
• Examples of previous relevant work, or links to portfolio/website/social media pages.

Please send these, along with any questions to: othmarketing@dacorum.gov.uk by midday on Friday 29^th August 2025.

A copy of this brief is available in large print or audio, upon request.