Opportunity opens for artists to submit artistic structures, monuments concepts for roundabouts |26 January 2022

Plaisance roundabout

Artists in general or any individual, organisations or groups with a concept that can be developed into an artistic structure or monument that can be erected at the centre of any of the five empty roundabouts from the airport to Victoria and Ile du Port have until February 18 to submit their concepts.

“A number of artists as well as organisations have expressed their interest to the ministry to come up with either a monument or artistic structure for some of the roundabouts so the Ministry of Transport has therefore decided to be fair and  extended the opportunity to participate to other artists, art students and other individuals with different ideas of concepts to come forward and share these as well,” Alisha Jean-Louis, the principal information & communications officer in the ministry has said.

There is no category and no age limit. All individuals with an artistic flair and talent to design and create a piece of work which will not impact on drivers’ visibility, impede traffic or cause any inconvenience for pedestrians and drivers and not illuminate in the dark to the point of causing a distraction to drivers and pedestrians can submit their work.

Meanwhile Ms Jean-Louis said discussions will be carried out with all concerned parties to ensure that the monument or structure is really appropriate.

There are at present five roundabouts whose centre still remains empty and bare. They are the Bois de Rose roundabout, Ile Du Port, Airport roundabout, the one at Roche Caiman and the Plaisance roundabout.

While the idea is to have either an artistic structure or a monument, Ms Jean-Louis noted that a monument is often linked to a historic date or event and should have great significance to our country but the idea is not limited to that and participants are free to bring forward whatever concept they have as long as it is good and worthwhile and meaningful.

Meanwhile Ms Jean-Louis has said erecting the monument or structure will be at the artist’s, organisation’s or individual’s own cost.

So far Ms Jean-Louis said a few people have come forward to seek more information while some others have said they are finalising their concepts.

The deadline for submission of all concepts is February 18.

“There is still some time left and we are expecting more artists to come forward and express their interests. While there is no reward as such being offered by the Ministry of Transport, we believe that having the opportunity to take part in such an initiative is in itself a big thing for the artists. He or she would be able to showcase their talent and skills and this would no doubt open many doors for them for future business opportunities as people would have known them and what they can do. It would also be an opportunity for them to give back something to their country and their community,” Ms Jean-Louis remarked.

Meanwhile  people who want to have more information can get in touch with Ms Jean-Louis on 4286548 and those who are ready to submit their concepts can do so personally at Botanical House or email a.jlouis@gov .sc

The accompanying photographs show some of the empty roundabouts.

Compiled by Marie-Anne Lepathy